Twitter Reactions: Jozi Stars crowned as the champions of inaugural MSL

A lot was expected from the final of the inaugural Mzansi Super League (MSL) between table-toppers Cape Town Blitz and Jozi Stars at Newlands in Cape Town. However, the contest turned out to be a one-sided affair as the Stars managed to win by nine wickets with five overs to spare. They were clinical ever since the beginning and never allowed the Blitz to get a foothold back into the contest.

Blitz stumble along

The Blitz won the toss and opted to bat first and the decision backfired on them for the reason that Jozi Stars restricted them to 113 for seven wickets. Quinton de Kock couldn’t deliver and was nipped out by left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks. His opening partner Dawid Malan and Kyle Verreynne tried to inject momentum into the innings, but Duanne Olivier removed Malan to separate the duo.

The Pakistan-duo of Mohammad Nawaz and Asif Ali perished for single-digit scores. Verreynne looked good and eventually fell prey to Kagiso Rabada. Skipper Farhaan Behardien also found the going tough and could score 23 runs from 22 balls with a couple of fours. Ferisco Adams and Dale Steyn churned out a couple of useful knocks of 12 and 15 respectively to add some crucial runs in the end.

No trouble for Stars

The run-chase wasn’t expected to be a hard grind for the Stars. Speedster Nandre Burger conceded five wides in the second over after Steyn conceded only one in the first over. However, Dale Steyn rattled opener Ryan Rickelton’s woodwork to reignite the Blitz’ hopes. Thereafter, the right-handed pair of Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen put their heads down to steady Jozi Stars’ ship.

Both scored boundaries and most importantly, didn’t play too many dot balls. They turned the strike over on a consistent basis. Hendricks took his time initially but gradually managed to get going. Van der Dussen was the aggressor in the stand and remained not out on 59 from 54 balls. On the other hand, Hendricks finished with 33 from 41 deliveries. Skipper Dane Vilas hit the winning four.

Here is how Twitter hailed the Stars:

FIFTY for @Rassie72! His 18th T20 half-century and 4th for the tournament! What a time to get it, in the final and knock on the door for #Proteas selection even more! Leading run scorer too, he's had a phenomenal tournament! #MSLT20 #MSLT20Final #JoziStars

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 16, 2018

Initially I thought Cape Town Blitz would win this #MSLT20 2018 the way they started I was convinced I learnt that "It doesn't matter how you start how you finish" its a life lesson #MSLT20Final

— Bulelani Mpengesi (@Buja3D) December 16, 2018

@Rassie72 and @reezahendricks playing a good consolidating game not the normal free hitting duo the @MSL_T20 has witnessed and understandably so

— Segal (@arsenear) December 16, 2018

Fittingly, VD Dussen and Reeza Hendricks are guiding Jozi Stars home in the Final. Two of the top three batsmen of this year’s Mzansi League. #MSLT20

— Arjun Ashok (@arj_90) December 16, 2018

Dale Steyn has beaten Reeza Hendricks three times in a row with classic Test cricket jaffas while his side is defending a mediocre total in the final. #MSLT20

— Shubh AggarWall (@shubh_chintak) December 16, 2018

@reezahendricks IPL 2019 is waiting for you…..#IPLAuction #IPL2019Auction

— purushottum Kumar (@purushottumKum5) December 16, 2018

WHAT A CATCH!! @reezahendricks takes a superb diving catch to dismiss @QuinnyDeKock69 … Catches like that win finals!! @IOLsport @CT_Blitz @StarsJozi

— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) December 16, 2018

Geez what a catch from @reezahendricks ! #MSLT20Final @MSL_T20 (Blitz 6-1) pic.twitter.com/QysjWsT2yp

— Poppy Ntshongwana (@PoppyIsMyName) December 16, 2018

That's a catch for the final… Reeza Hendricks takes a stunner as De Kock departs. #MSLT20

— Four6Out (@four6out) December 16, 2018

Wowww whatttaaa catch Reeza Hendricks 👏 QDK gone

— Navin 🖕🏽 (@Mister_Awesomee) December 16, 2018

Watching @DaleSteyn62 running in,makes me grateful I only get to face him in the nets #gas. He is coming for u 😈👹

— Dean Elgar (@deanelgar) December 16, 2018

There is no one else who deserves Player of the Tournament award more than @Rassie72. He has been simply outstanding in the #MSLT20 @KassNaidoo @kkgaofetoge @TlameloLorato #MSLT20Final https://t.co/TCHC8oCjiP

— Mehluli Sibanda (@Mdawini_29) December 16, 2018

All the Jozi Stars players came to the party throughout the #MSLT20 from the bowlers, batsmen, bus driver Sylvester, coaching stuff and management.

Deserved inaugural Mzansi Super League Champions! 🏆 #FastFunForAll
Thank you @OfficialCSA and the @SPORTATSABC , Good Effort 👌

— Tokelo Martin Mokhesi (@Teekay_Rooi) December 16, 2018

It’s all over at Newlands and the @StarsJozi are the 2018 @MSL_T20 champions as they beat the @CT_Blitz by 8 wickets. Rassie van der Dussen with 59* leading them across the finish line… #MSLT20 pic.twitter.com/687T3t9KhY

— Rob Delport (@FMSouthAfrica) December 16, 2018

@StarsJozi are the inaugural champions of the #MSLT20… Sad end for the @CT_Blitz pic.twitter.com/LfCcwq2ZZn

— Tara Lee (@The_Tara_Lee) December 16, 2018

You were excellent throughout the edition!

Better luck for the next season! #MSLT20 #MSLT20final https://t.co/jVDBwDelcO

— Hamadullah Sohu (@hsohu) December 16, 2018

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