Teen star Pretorius' 83 propels Paarl Royals to revenge win over MI Cape Town

Eighteen-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed a blistering 83 as the Paarl Royal cruised to a six-wicket win against MI Cape Town at Boland Park on Wednesday.

Chasing 159 runs at a windy Paarl, the Royals' top order put on a top-notch display under the lights, with Pretorius leading the way. Together with opening partner Joe Root (15), they got their chase off to the perfect start by putting on 50 for the opening wicket.

Pretorius, who passed matric on Monday, knocked the stuffing out of the MI Cape Town bowling attack, bringing up his second SA20 half-century in his third game.

A 51-run stand between Pretorius and Mitchell van Buuren kept the home side well ahead of the required rate until MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan got the scalp of Van Buuren for 20-ball 22.

Pretorius kept things ticking along and was superb in hitting eight fours and three sixes in his 83 from 52 deliveries to get his team close to the target, meaning there were few late nerves even when the teenager was run out with 23 runs required.

Captain David Miller (24*) hit the winning runs, sparking happy scenes for the Boland Park faithful as Paarl Royals won with six balls to spare.

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Lhuan-dre Pretorius collects his second 50 of the tournament ????

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Earlier, opener Rassie van der Dussen produced a fighting unbeaten 91 as MI Cape Town posted 158-4 after they were asked to bat first.

The visitors got off to a steady start before losing Azmatullah Omarzai (13). A 59-run second wicket stand between Van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks got the visitors back on track as the slow track and windy conditions made it difficult for the batters.

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