Hope’s ton lifts Capitals

DURBAN, South Africa:

Shai Hope smashed a superb, unbeaten century to propel the Pretoria Capitals to an exciting 15-run victory over Durban's Super Giants when the SA20 continued on Wednesday.

Opening the innings, the Barbadian bludgeoned 118 off just 69 balls, hitting nine sixes and nine fours and was the cornerstone of the Capitals' imposing total of 201 for four in their 20 overs after being sent in at Kingsmead.

Faced with a challenging chase, the Super Giants were led by an unbeaten 97 from Jos Buttler, but were eventually dismissed for 186 in 19.4 overs.

Hope dominated an opening partnership of 101 in 11 overs with Connor Esterhuizen, who made 37 off 28 balls, while fellow Barbadian Roston Chase, who made 24 off 15 balls, was relegated to the back seat during an 85-run partnership for the second wicket.

He brought up his century off 60 balls by guiding Gerald Coetzee to deep point for two runs in the 17th over.

Buttler then tried his best during his 52-ball knock, which contained nine fours and five sixes, but he received little support with only opener Marques Ackerman (27) scoring more than 20.

Gideon Peters was the Capitals' best bowler with 3-35, while Lungi Ngidi ran through the lower order to finish with 3-39.

- CMC