PRETORIUS' FOUR-FOR DOWNS RILEE AND SHAMSI IN LPL

Durban’s Super Giants all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius delivered a star performance with the ball ensure the Galle Marvels’ automatic progression to the Lanka Premier League final on Sunday

Pretorius claimed 4/23 from his four overs to restrict the powerful Jaffa Kings batting line-up to 177/7 in Qualifier 1.

The Kings had begun in a rollicking fashion through their Pretoria Capitals-connected pair Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis. 

Mendis, who played for the Capitals in Betway SA20 Season 1, struck 46 off 39 balls (4x4, 1x6) before Rossouw blasted 40 off just 22 balls (4x4, 3x6). 

And when the tournament’s leading run-scorer Avishka Fernando maintained the momentum with 52 off 33 balls (4x4, 3x6), it certainly seemed like the Kings would post a formidable total.

But Pretorius, utilising all his experience of playing 60 internationals across formats for the Proteas, mixed up his pace with a variety of slower balls to keep the Kings in check at the death. 

The Galle Marvels cruised the run-chase with just under two overs to spare, despite Paarl Royals wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who is playing for the Kings, claiming the tidy figures of 1/27.

Rossouw and Shamsi will get another opportunity to meet the Marvels in the grand final as the Jaffna Kings will now face the Kandy Falcons in Qualifier 2 on Saturday.

On Saturday, Rilee Rossouw and Tabraiz Shamsi will get a second chance to reach the Lanka Premier League final with their Jaffna Kings team.