JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, CMC – Romario Shepherd’s fireworks proved vital as Joburg Super Kings broke their frustrating winless skid in the SA20 with a six-wicket win over Pretoria Capitals here Saturday.
Without a win in four outings, Super Kings chased down 168 at The Wanderers with two overs to spare, to make their first real impact on the tournament.
West Indies fast bowler Shepherd helped set up the win for Super Kings, grabbing three for 39 from four overs to restrict Capitals to 167 for nine off their 20 overs.
Kyle Verreynne led with an unbeaten 72 off 52 deliveries, crunching seven fours and a six as he pulled his side around from a perilous position of 67 for six in the ninth over.
He put on 43 for the seventh wicket with Wayne Parnell (22) and 35 for the ninth with Adil Rashid (15).
Shepherd’s presence was key at the back end, making key strikes to help hamper the Capitals scoring rate.
In reply, Super Kings looked in danger of defeat when they collapsed to 16 for two in the fourth over but Donovan Ferreira (56 not out), Sibonelo Makhanya (40) and Leus du Plooy (33) all stepped up to rescue the chase.
Makhanya and du Plooy posted 70 for the third wicket and when both fell in the space of 14 deliveries, Fereira dominated a 77-run, unbroken fifth wicket stand with Englishman Moeen Ali (25) to see Super Kings home.