Rickelton hails capacity Newlands crowd, clean-hitting Brevis: 'A league we cherish'

MI Cape Town batter Ryan Rickelton says he will cherish playing at a capacity Newlands following his side's win in the SA20 opener in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Rickelton shared a 90-run partnership with teenage sensation Dewald Brevis as MI Cape Town went on to easily beat the Paarl Royals by eight wickets.

LIVE | Brevis, Archer star for MI Cape Town as SA20 off to a flying start

With the likes of Master KG performing Jerusalema, the sold-out Newlands crowd had a lot to cheer as the inaugural SA20 kicked off in style.

Rickelton admitted to having a ball of a time as he smashed a cool 42 off 33 balls (hitting five fours and a six) before Englishman Olly Stone bowled him out.

"It's probably the fullest house I've played in South Africa. I've never actually played in front of a full house in Newlands, but there were a lot of kids, and a lot of screaming fans. I think the guys on the mics were loud but were good," Rickelton told reporters after the game.

"It's just awesome to actually get out there with the lights on and put a bit of a partnership with Dewald and just enjoy some really tough and good cricket. There are some highly skilled players in this league and to have the opportunity to take it all in is something that we cherish."

Chasing a modest 143 for victory under lights at Newlands, Rickelton and Brevis got off to a flyer for the hosts.

Brevis went on to win the man of the match accolade and remained unbeaten on 70 off 41 balls (smashing four fours and five sixes) as MI Cape Town romped to victory with 27 balls to spare.

Rickelton had nothing but praise for 19-year-old Brevis as the duo made for a devastating opening batting duo.

"I got off quite nicely, which gave him a bit of time, but as I started to slow down a bit, I was