Captain Aiden Markram\u2019s love affair with the Pretoria ground continued with the skipper\u2019s 62 not out off 40 balls setting up the Sunrisers\u2019 184\/6. Super Kings\u2019 run-chase stuttered throughout, with the Joburg side unable to put together any meaningful partnerships as they slipped to 152\/7 in their 20 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The eliminator was virtually decided in two separate overs of each innings. The Sunrisers innings were delicately poised at 149\/5 with 12 balls remaining when Markram and Marco Jansen bashed 29 runs off Lutho Sipamla\u2019s penultimate over.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sipamla conceded three sixes, two boundaries, and delivered a no ball to finish with the second-most expensive figures of 0\/72 in SA20 history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In contrast, the Super Kings were on track at 91\/3 after 12 overs, requiring 94 from 48 balls with set batters Jonny Bairstow and Wihan Lubbe at the crease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sunrisers skipper rolled the dice and opted to bowl out seamer Craig Overton. The decision reaped the desired rewards, with Overton sending down a miraculous double-wicket maiden by dismissing both Lubbe and Moeen Ali as the Super Kings slumped to 91\/5.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
There was no way back for the Super Kings as they were left to contemplate a third playoff defeat in a row.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLot of credit to the boys. We haven't put a complete game of cricket throughout, and tonight was the closest we got,\u201d said Markram.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe bowlers were brilliant; the ball came on even better under lights, so a lot of credit to our guys. We saw the odd one react differently, and that's why we wanted to wait before using the spinners. It is all about execution on a surface like this.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLot of credit to the boys. We haven't put a complete game of cricket throughout, and tonight was the closest we got,\u201d said Markram.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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