Choosing to bat first proved to be a successful decision for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, as the opening pair of Malan and Hermann made an impressive start.
From a score of 53/0 in the powerplay, they rapidly advanced to 130/0 in just 10 overs, indicating their intention to set a formidable total.
However, exhibiting determination and confidence, captain Keiron Pollard opted to take the kookaburra and switch to bowling.
In the 13th over, there was a collective sigh of relief for the MICT players when Pollard, with his strategic brilliance, dismissed Dawid Malan, ending the crucial SEC opening partnership of 138 runs.
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Pollard executed a skillful off cutter just outside the off-stump, causing Malan to miscue the shot straight back to him. Despite Malan’s brisk 53 runs off 37 balls, the change in strategy worked in favor of MICT as Pollard wore a grin, bringing respite to his team after the relentless onslaught by the Malan-Hermann duo.