SA20 2023, Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Pretoria Capitals, Match 3 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

Pretoria Capitals started their campaign with a crucial 23-run win overs Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the third match of the SA20 2023 at St George's Park in Gqeberha on Thursday (January 12). English sensation Phil Salt helped the Capitals to score a big total of 193/6 and then star pacer Anrich Nortje shone with his pace to restrict Sunrisers to 170/5 in 20 overs.

The Sunrisers bowlers Marco Jansen dismissed Will Jacks in the opening over and the Capitals kept losing the wickets from the one end after that. However, Salt smashed 77 off 47 balls and the Capitals were boosted to a big 193/6 total after captain Wayne Parnell's cameo with 29* off nine balls. Sunrisers skipper Aiden Markram took two wickets for 17 while uncapped South African pacer Ottniel Baartman grabbed two as well.

While chasing a big total, the Sunrisers were struggling with four wickets down in 11 overs, with Nortje breathing fire with his pace. But Jon-Jon Smutts (66 off 51) kept his team alive in the chase with Tom Abell (40* off 24 balls) for the fifth wicket. But after Smutt's dismissal in the 17th over, the Sunrisers were restricted to just 170/5.

Talking Points from EAC vs PRE, SA20 Match 3:

Phil Salt continues to rise:

The 26-year-old opened the innings for the Capitals and remained unbeaten to ensure a big total on the scoreboard. He scored 77* off 47 with the help of 11 fours and his partnership with James Neesham dragged the Capitals from 80/5 to 157/6. Having made his T20I debut last year, Salt continues to mark his name in big hitters list in T20 cricket.

Anrich Nortje demonstrates his pace

The star South African pacer showcased his unbelievable pace once again and kept the Sunrisers in check while defending a big total. He took two big wickets of Jordan Cox and Tristan Stubbs, both on deliveries speeding at 151 kmph. Nortje ended the game with 2/18 in four overs, including a maiden.

Losing Captain, Aiden Markram said:

We were a bit off the boil in all aspects of the game, bit of rustiness and look forward to the Saturday game. We will have to take the learnings and pretty frustrating but it is what it is. Quick turnaround. We need to stay positive and comeback strong. Still early days and lot to look forward to.

Winning Captain, Wayne Parnell said:

Winning here is really crucial. Obviously we had some good hitters down the order. I think confidence plays a massive part, still feel we can improve on a lot of things. Once we let the guys be free we will see the best of them.

Player of the Match, Phil Salt said:

We got our lengths right in the second innings with couple of X-factor bowlers in our side. I had to do what the conditions dictated with the bat. The atmosphere was tremendous. Was a bit nervous, but good to be back and playing cricket again.

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