Bjorn Fortuin’s 4-15 and Faf du Plessis’ half-century helped the Paarl Rocks clinch a five-wicket win against the Cape Town Blitz, writes KHALID MOHIDIN from Boland Park.
The Cape Derby was a spectacle to behold. Not only did it draw a packed crowd at Boland Park, but the cricket on display was competitive and captivating.
The hitherto unbeaten Blitz side came crashing down for the first time in the tournament as the Paarl Rocks bowled out their opposition for 140. The visitors’ runs came from their top three – Quinton de Kock (31 off 16 balls), Janneman Malan (29 off 31 balls) and Andile Phehlukwayo (24 off 16 balls) – as they struggled to deal with the Paarl bowlers.
Bjorn Fortuin was the star for the hosts, ending with 4-15 that included the wickets of De Kock, Malan, Phehlukwayo and Farhaan Behardien.
Dane Paterson was the Rocks’ next best bowler with figures of 3-23 as the hosts set a defendable total.
The Blitz then struck back with their bowling attack. The Rocks soon found themselves down four for 94 runs in 12 overs. Nevertheless, besides Vaughn van Jaarsveld’s cameo 26-ball 32 (four fours), the Rocks and Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis kept his side in control of the match.
Du Plessis was spectacular. He scored a 39-ball 54 (six fours), a true captain’s knock to bring his side within nine runs from victory before losing his wicket. Remarkably, the fourth umpire had to run on to the field to change the on-field umpire’s decision after he called a no-ball for a Malusi Siboto delivery.
The game was sealed with a four by Man of the Match winner Bjorn Fortuin (six) and a cameo from wicketkeeper-batsman Mangaliso Mosehle (28) to end the Blitz’s four-match winning streak.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
