Twitter Reactions: Paarl Rocks make it to the final of MSL 2019 after a tight finish against the Giants

In the inaugural edition of the MSL, the Paarl Rocks played some beautiful cricket and ensured that sealed a knockout spot. However, luck wasn’t in their favour. The Eliminator game against the Jozi Stars was abandoned due to rain. As a result, they couldn’t make it into the final since they were third on the table. But this time, they ensured that a mishap like that doesn’t repeat by winning their last league game.

It was a high-intensity battle against the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants with both the teams aiming for a finals spot. Under the high-pressure situations, it was the Rocks who held their nerves. The 12-run win in this crucial fixture helped them displace the Giants from the top spot. Even though both these teams have got 12 points each, the Paarl Rocks have a slightly better NRR.

Now with this, they get to host the final. The Nelson Mandela Giants will now have to take the longer route and will play the Eliminator at home. It was a complete team effort from the Paarl Rocks. The way they pulled things back and ensured that they have control over the match was truly commendable after they were asked to bat first.

Paarl Rocks pull off a heist with their spinners

After the loss in the previous game against Durban Heat, Faf du Plessis felt that they needed to aim for the bonus point in their last game. But fortunately, that wasn’t required. Both the openers provided the Rocks with a good stand before they were dismissed in their 30s. While the captain crawled his way to a 19-ball 22, Kyle Verreynne provided them with the impetus with his unbeaten 20-ball 36. Thus, the team put up 168 runs on the board for the loss of 5 wickets.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Giants got to a good start in the chase. They seemed to be in a good position initially but the spinners pulled things back. Bjorn Fortuin conceded just 19 runs in his 4 overs. Tabraiz Shamsi, on the other hand, picked up two wickets and gave away 25 runs. Heino Kuhn tried hard with his 58 but lacked support from others. Ferisco Adams was impressive with the ball and picked up three wickets.

Here is how Twitterati reacted:

#msl2019 Usuru Udana…take a bow. Great sportmanship pic.twitter.com/h4gp7R8dNS

— lwaz (@LwaizakaM) December 8, 2019

What an answer from FAF Du Plessis 🙈😂😄#MSL2019 pic.twitter.com/8snEuMEop2

— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) December 8, 2019

Congratulation #msl2019 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/m6qnX8emHI

— vinay kapoor (@vinayka59670035) December 8, 2019

Paarl Rocks WIN and secure a home final in #MSL2019! This has been a fantastic game of cricket, as they defeated the in-form team, Giants by 12 runs #MSLT20

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 8, 2019

So Paarl Rocks make it to the finals of #MSL2019. Unfortunate to miss out on finals last year because of an Abandoned eliminator.

Which means another Western cape team had made it to the finals again.

Hope we could win it this time.

— Prashant Vangap🇮🇳 (@Prash_Royce) December 8, 2019

The @Paarl_Rocks will host the #msl2019 final! Well deserved! The team deserves it but most importantly the Paarl supporters deserve it. This will be brilliant for the tournament and South African cricket ❤

— Mthoko Ntshingila (@Mnchingy10) December 8, 2019

Well done to @Paarl_Rocks, the score became a giant one for @NMB_Giants to chase. #msl2019

— Rahlagane Masemola (@SunnyMcLion) December 8, 2019

@NMB_Giants We need to chase better gents. We left too much to do. Let's go!!! Next stop, the Final!#nmbgiants#msl2019

— Assistant To The Regional Manager (@PrinsFrancisco) December 8, 2019

What did Marco Marais do to Heino Kuhn guys ? 😂😂😂😂😂😂💔#msl2019

— MisouL (@MisouL_) December 8, 2019

If Udana doesn’t play the #IPL2020 I don’t know what needs to happen. He is magnificent in the ‘death’ #msl2019

— KINGPROKID (@MazwiZuma) December 8, 2019