PRETORIUS AND BAARTMAN RULE MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET

With Major League Cricket (MLC) heading into the playoff stage, Paarl Royals duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Ottneil Baartman strengthened their positions as the tournament's leading performers.

Playing for the San Francisco Unicorns, 20-year-old left-hander Pretorius has established himself at the top of the run-scoring list. His campaign is highlighted by an unbeaten 102 off 52 balls against MI New York at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas last Wednesday. The innings, which included 10 fours and five sixes, secured a comfortable victory for his franchise.

The knock carried immense personal significance too, as it marked Pretorius’s maiden T20 century - eclipsing his previous best of 98 not out for the Paarl Royals against MI Cape Town in the Betway SA20 Season 4 Western Cape derby.

“I would be lying if I said the hundred didn't play in the back of my mind, because I've fallen short a couple of times,” Pretorius said.

In the bowling department, Baartman has spearheaded the Seattle Orcas attack. Having taken 18 wickets in nine matches, the right-arm seamer was the epitome of consistency during the league stage. His ability to execute yorkers and change-of-pace deliveries under pressure restricted opposition scoring rates and earned praise from his former Sunrisers Eastern Cape bowling coach, Dale Steyn.

READ MORE: Dale Steyn lauds Baartman's consistency

Baartman delivered another disciplined performance in his final outing, finishing with figures of 2/18 from his four overs against MI New York last Friday.

Unfortunately for the 33-year-old, he will not be able to add to his wicket tally, having returned home from the MLC for this week’s Cricket South Africa (CSA) Awards in Sandton. Baartman has been replaced in the Orcas playing XI by fellow Protea and Sunrisers Eastern Cape fast bowler Lutho Sipamla, who made his MLC debut on Sunday.

Pretorius will have another opportunity to impact the tournament when the San Francisco Unicorns meet the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Wednesday’s Qualifier 1 in Oakland.