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PARNELL GIVES CAPITALS THE FREEDOM TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES
Captain Wayne Parnell has called on the Pretoria Capitals to “express yourselves” after last season’s runners-up claimed their first win of Betway SA20 Season 2.
The Capitals beat the previously unbeaten Durban’s Super Giants by 17 runs at Centurion to move off the basement of the table on Thursday evening.
ICYMI: Match report - Jacks powers Capitals to win over Durban's Super Giants
It certainly was a much-needed victory which helped the Capitals close the gap on the frontrunners after two previous defeats.
Parnell, who led the Capitals to the inaugural final last season, had missed the two opening games due to injury with New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham standing in.
Personally, the skipper’s rustiness still showed as he missed his line and lengths at the death, but he did pick up the crucial wickets of Matthew Breetzke and Keemo Paul to help close out the win.
On Thursday against Durban's Super Giants, Parnell played his first senior match since August 2023 - and claimed 2/54 on his comeback.
He also claimed a brilliant two-handed diving catch to help send Marcus Stoinis back to dugout just after the Australian had smashed two consecutive sixes over the grass embankments.
But Parnell’s influence on the Capitals is far greater than just his figures of 2/54, as he brings a degree of calmness to the Pretoria team, and also gives them the freedom to go out there and play their natural game.
“It was a much-needed win for us. The message is clear, just go out and express yourselves,” Parnell said. “I'm more process-driven and if you don't execute on a particular day, I'm not too fussed about it.”
Capitals all-rounder Will Jacks certainly took ownership of his skipper’s message with the Englishman producing a superb all-round performance.
Jacks blasted 101 off 42 balls (8x4, 9x6) and claimed 2/18 with the ball to restrict the power packed DSG batting line-up.
The Englishman claimed the key to his success at Centurion is not to veer too far from the basics.
“You don't need to overhit the ball here and we probably tried to overhit the ball last two games and got our plans right. You find a plan and stick to it and tonight's the night it came off,” Jacks said.
The Pretoria Capitals next challenge is against the Joburg Super Kings in the “Big City” derby on Saturday evening at the Wanderers. Buy tickets now...
