The SA20 2025 conflict between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals witnessed an electrifying moment as Dinesh Karthik rolled back the years with a spectacular one-handed catch to throw away Azmatullah Omarzai.
Dinesh Karthik’s stunning catch sets the tone for Paarl Royals
The dismissal came on the first ball Dayyaan Galiemspell, as the bowler bowled one sharply into the pads. Omarzai, who tried to glance at the leg, only managed to divert from the closed face of his bat. Karthik, positioned behind the stumps, reacted with lightning speed, diving at full stretch to his right to pluck the ball in the air. Although the ball bounced out of his glove for a moment, Karthik’s quick reflexes ensured it nestled safely on the bounce, completing a remarkable dismissal.
Omarzai’s promising knock of 13 off 11 balls, including two crisp boundaries, came to an abrupt end, leaving Cape Town jubilant. The catch not only showcased Karthik’s athleticism but also gave MI Cape Town an early lead, setting the tone for the rest of the game. It was a moment of pure brilliance that will be remembered as one of the most outstanding games of the tournament.
Here is the video:
Dinesh Karthik didn’t lose it 💯 #BetwaySA20 #PRvMICT #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/g96odsB4od
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 15, 2025
ALSO SEE: Quinton de Kock takes a superb one-handed catch to dismiss Jonny Bairstow in SA20 2025.
Rassie van der Dussen leads Cape Town’s MI
In the ninth match of the SA20 2025 season between Cape Town and Royals at Boland Park, Paarl, MI Cape Town posted a challenging 131/4 in 18 overs with two overs remaining. After taking to the field, Royals struck early with Galiem dismissing Omarzai for 13 in the fourth over. Despite early failure, Rassie van der Dussen he held the innings together with good pace, an unbeaten 67 off 55 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes.
Reeza Hendricks chipped in with a steady 30 off 27 balls, building a crucial 50-run partnership with Van der Dussen for the second wicket. However, timely breakthroughs by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Joe Root limited Cape Town’s acceleration in the middle overs. George Linde (10) i Dewald Brevis (8 off 4) failed to capitalize on promising starts and Brevis fell to a Mujeeb delivery.
The bowlers of the Royal Club maintained their discipline, with Dunith Wellalage delivering a stellar spell of just 17 runs in his four overs. Mujeeb Rahman emerged as the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 27. Despite disciplined bowling, Cape Town managed to build a solid platform, setting the stage for a thrilling chase under the lights.
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