So, that's it from our side for this game. But don't go anywhere as the second game of today's double-header between MI Cape Town and Pretoria Capitals is only a while away. Until next time, goodbye and cheers!
David Miller | Player of the Match: I thought it was a really good performance today. The guys showed up, bowled really well, and restricted them to that total. We played the conditions nicely, so I’m really pleased with the group’s effort. (On whether they did something tactically different with the ball today) Not really. It’s more about adapting on the day and using the wicket. This was the second or third time on the surface, so yorkers weren’t as effective. It was about clearing that option and using slower balls, good hard lengths, and attacking the top of off stump. Generally, you want to be pretty straight at the stumps. (On his mindset when he came out to bat today) Honestly, just trying to watch the ball as closely as possible and give myself a chance. We were in a bit of trouble, so it was about building something and seeing where it could take us. (On his partnership with Lion Cachet) He was phenomenal. He was dotted up quite a bit early, but the important thing was the partnership. I just kept telling him to stay in it — it’s always frustrating at the start. Once he got one or two away, the confidence came. It was really enjoyable batting with him and seeing how he navigated that situation. (On what he said to Delano at the end) I told him not to overcomplicate it. We only needed one run off two balls. I said, just watch the ball, get something in your zone. He’s an experienced player, so I backed him to finish it — and thankfully he did. Next game is back at home, so hopefully we can get the fans going again and put in a good performance for them. We really appreciate all their support and are looking forward to it.
Tristan Stubbs: It’s definitely something we’ll have a look at. Losing wickets at crucial moments makes things difficult, especially towards the back end of the innings. (On their bowling) I thought we played really well out there. We gave it our all, and unfortunately Miller played a very good innings. There were some great moments in the field, but probably a few missed opportunities as well. Definitely. Like you said, we probably had our chances, but full credit to them. We fought hard, bowled well, and Miller played exceptionally well.
16:39 Local Time, 14:39 GMT, 20:09 IST: It has been a blinder of a knock from vintage Miller to take his side over the line. The Royals were chasing a middling target but they got off to a poor start. They were struggling at 35/4 but Miller and Lion Cachet got together and did the rebuilding job. Miller was in great touch from the word-go and kept finding the boundaries with consummate ease. Lion Cachet played the perfect foil to him as he kept rotating the strike. Miller kept pressing on the accelerator and hit the ball to all parts of the ground. Run-chases bring out the best in him and he once again stood tall under testing circumstances. He raised a 28-ball fifty and kept going strong. Lion Cachet also joined the party once he got his eye in and struck a few vital boundaries. The visitors only needed 2 runs off the last over but they made things a little difficult for themselves. Lion Cachet faced a couple of dot balls and then was caught at point off the next ball. The equation was down to 1 off 2 and Gregrory erred down leg as the Royals got over the line.
19.5
Gregory to Delano Potgieter, wide, that's an anti-climatic end! Potgieter backs away a bit and Gregory tries to follow him but sprays it down leg. Potgieter lets it go and it's wided. The Royals eventually get over the line to get off the mark in this season
Delano Potgieter, left handed bat, comes to the crease
Miller has a long chat with Potgieter. Don't rule a Super Over out yet
19.4
W
Gregory to Keagan Lion Cachet, out Caught by Muthusamy!! There's another twist in the tale! The pressure has got the better of the young man! Sharp catch from Muthusamy. A very full delivery outside off, Keagan Lion Cachet crouches in his stance and carves it uppishly towards point. Muthusamy dives to his left and takes a sharp catch. The game is not over yet. Keagan Lion Cachet c Muthusamy b Gregory 45(40) [4s-6]
Gregory to Keagan Lion Cachet, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
Miller walks down the track to have a chat with the young man. He is trying to calm the nerves of the young man
19.3
Gregory to Keagan Lion Cachet, no run, two dots in a row! Things getting interesting now! A shortish delivery outside off, Keagan Lion Cachet tries to pull it across but only meets thin air
19.2
Gregory to Keagan Lion Cachet, no run, pitched up outside off, Keagan Lion Cachet drives it on the up but it's straight to extra cover
The field comes in to save the final run
19.1
Gregory to Miller, 1 run, a shortish delivery on leg-stump, Miller pulls it hard but finds deep mid-wicket on the bounce. The scores are level now
Lewis Gregory [3.0-0-28-0] is back into the attack
The Royals only need 2 off the last over! This should be easy unless there is some drama
19
1 4 4 0 2 4 (15 runs)
PR 148-4
Keagan Lion Cachet
45(37)
David Miller
70(37)
Marco Jansen
4-0-25-2
18.6
4
Marco Jansen to Keagan Lion Cachet, FOUR, blistering stroke! Keagan Lion Cachet backs away and it's in the slot on leg-stump. He smashes it past the right side of mid-off and the ball goes to the fence at the rate of knots
18.5
Marco Jansen to Keagan Lion Cachet, 2 runs, Keagan Lion Cachet swipes the back of a length delivery in the gap through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run
18.4
Marco Jansen to Keagan Lion Cachet, no run, Marco Jansen nails the yorker around leg-stump, Keagan Lion Cachet digs it out towards point
18.3
4
Marco Jansen to Keagan Lion Cachet, FOUR, innovation at its best! A length delivery on off, Keagan Lion Cachet switches his stance and reverse hits it over short third for back-to-back boundaries. Smart batting this