Sikandar Raza drives Paarl Royals to the SA20 derby double over helpless MI Cape Town

It took four seasons for a Zimbabwean to make an appearance in Betway SA20, but Sikandar Raza is fast making up for lost time.

The Zimbabwe T20 captain followed up his stirring debut on Friday night at Boland Park with a match-winning performance at Newlands on Sunday afternoon. The 39-year-old bagged 4/13, and with the assistance of seamers Nqobani Mokoena (2/10) and  Ottneil Baartman (2/8), routed MI Cape Town for just 88.

This excellent bowling performance after MI Cape Town won the toss and elected to bat for the first time in five matches saw the Royals romp to a bonus-point seven-wicket victory.

“It's nice to win the game and know your contribution in a win feels more special,” Raza said. “I've heard great things about this tournament but due to clashes I couldn't come in year two or three.

“When I talk to the SA boys in the circuit, they've all said good things about it. Can't ask for more with this POTM (Player of the Match) award.”

The veteran allrounder paid tribute to his skipper David Miller for keeping the Royals focused on the job at hand. 

“Miller, as a captain, he's always there when you're bowling and he's always calm. It rubs off on the bowlers too,” he said.

“He doesn't speak much but lets his bat and captaincy do the talking. I've played a lot against him. Wonderful to play with him."

The Royals had little trouble in knocking off the required target, despite losing teenager opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius early on. 

Another revelation thus far has been Jersey international Asa Tribe with the 21-year-old making another vital contribution of 34 off 28 balls after his maiden half-century on Friday evening. 

"Tribe is a phenomenal player. Plays good, strong shots and has time. Fifty last game and a good start here. I didn't know much about him before he joined, had to know him quick,” captain Miller said.

“Great turnaround for us. Terrible start to the season but boys are falling into their roles nicely. Love how the guys are celebrating, enjoying themselves and finding ways to win. Raza is a young 39-year old with all his experience. Lot of energy and very wise - got a good cricket brain.

“When the guys signed Baartman, I always loved how he takes challenges. He's always taking the batters on. Lot of experience on his side too."

Meanwhile, MI Cape Town have to regroup quickly if they are to revitalise their title defence. Last season’s champions have just two points from a washed out game in Durban and are rooted to the base of the table.

The next clash against Joburg Super Kings on Tuesday at Newlands is now a virtual must-win and captain Rashid Khan is urging his team to deliver an improved performance.

"Quite disappointing, to be honest. Not the kind of cricket champion teams play. Good it happened earlier rather than later and we still have an opportunity to qualify. We didn't play as good as we can,” Rashid Khan said.

“This franchise has a brand of cricket that we didn't do. We were a little bit defensive and got stuck. In T20 you can't think about the past. Individually everyone is experienced and they know how to manage themselves. 

“Have to come with the right mindset. Need to forget where on the table we are. I feel like if we can lose four games in a row then we can win four in a row too."