The SA20 season has already delivered high-octane cricket and plenty of off-field entertainment, with big hits, sharp bowling, and light-hearted moments.
A video featuring David Miller and Ryan Rickelton caught everyone’s attention on social media during the recent clash between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals.
Paarl Royals defeated MI Cape Town in a nail-biting finish in the 10th game of the SA20 2025-26 at Boland Park in Paarl on Friday, January 2. After being asked to bat, Paarl Royals posted 181 for 3 in their 20 overs. The chase went down to the wire, with MI Cape Town fighting till the final delivery but losing by one run.
Ryan Rickelton and David Miller Share Light-Hearted Moment on the Field
SA20 shared a short video on social media that quickly caught fans’ attention. It showed a fun moment between Ryan Rickelton and David Miller during a match. The incident happened in the third over of MI Cape Town’s innings.
On the third ball of the over, Rickelton played a soft shot inside the 30-yard circle and rushed for a quick single. Miller fielded the ball cleanly and threw it back sharply as Rickelton ran to the non-striker’s end. Rickelton briefly lost his bat but still made his ground comfortably.
After reaching the crease, Rickelton walked towards Miller and exchanged a few words. Miller then pulled Rickelton towards him and jokingly threw him to the ground. For a moment, it looked serious, but both players laughed it off straight away. There was no fight or anger, and fans enjoyed the moment.
Ryan Rickelton Dismissed After Scoring 36 Off 20 Balls
Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton got MI Cape Town off to a fast start with quick runs at the top. The momentum shifted when Sikandar Raza produced a crucial spell for Paarl Royals, removing Rickelton and then dismissing Nicholas Pooran. He followed it up by bowling Tom Moores with his first delivery.
The pressure mounted when Ottniel Baartman struck twice in quick succession, sending back Van der Dussen and Jason Smith, leaving MI Cape Town scrambling late in the chase.
MI Cape Town needed 15 runs in the final over, and Kagiso Rabada smashed a six but fell on the very next ball. With six required off the last delivery, George Linde struck it well, but the ball landed just short of the boundary.
Baartman finished with four wickets as Paarl Royals held their nerve to seal a thrilling one-run win in one of the most dramatic matches of the SA20 season.
About Reflecting and Being Honest With Each Other – David Miller
Paarl Royals captain David Miller admitted the team had a poor start to the campaign but said hard work at training helped them reset. David Miller said that honest conversations within the group encouraged players to relax, enjoy the game, and back their natural strengths.
“Obviously, it was a terrible start. From there we trained really hard in the camp. It’s just about reflecting and being honest with each other,” David Miller said.
“Just go and enjoy yourself and do what you do best. I thought it was a great score. Phenomenal batting upfront. End of the day we got over the line which was what we wanted. Pleased with how the guys are moving forward,” he added.