Capitals aiming to go one better

After topping the log but losing the final of last’s season’s inaugural SA20 competition, the Pretoria Capitals will be keen to make up for a big lost opportunity in 2023 when they get their second season underway today.

Wayne Parnell (right) and his charges were the only outfit to bag seven wins from their 10 matches last year and were hot favourites to go all the way when they reached the final. But Aiden Markram’s Sunrisers Eastern Cape had other ideas as they shocked the Capitals to win the first SA20 competition.

After the Capitals were bowled out for 135, the Sunrisers reached their target with six wickets down and 3.4 overs left.

Parnell’s team are again among the favourites in 2024 and they’re likely to be hard to beat at home in Centurion.

“Centurion is a ground I’ve really enjoyed playing at, especially for the Proteas. And obviously being there last season with the Capitals was really special,” said Parnell ahead of the season.

“We were lucky enough to have a great fan base last year and it’s really nice to see the engagement for season two. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone braaing on the grass banks again.”

The Capitals though open their campaign in Paarl against the Royals today in what should be a good game.

The home team finished fourth on the log last season, with four wins, and they’ll be desperate for a better showing, especially with the likes of big-hitting David Miller and England’s Jos Buttler in the squad.

Jason Roy and Andile Phehlukwayo will also bring their big match-winning ability to the team while Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin are classy operators with the ball.

For the Capitals, besides Parnell, who’ll again play as an all-rounder, Will Jacks and Phil Salt will be looked at to get the innings off to a fast start, with backup from Theunis de Bruyn, Colin Ingram and the big-hitting Rilee Rossouw. Paul Stirling of Ireland is a newcomer in the squad, while Kyle Verreynne will be hoping for a big tournament.

England’s Adil Rashid, Jimmy Neesham of New Zealand and the Bosch brothers, Eathan and Corbin, should lead the bowling attack with Parnell and possibly Daryn Dupavillon and Hardus Viljoen. Young Matthew Boast is a player to keep an eye on.