Nevermind the result, KG's back

Kagiso Rabada returned to the field after a rib injury had kept him out since October 23, missing South Africa's last 15 matches and Cape Town's first two games. With South Africa's T20 World Cup squad announcement looming on Friday, this was his final chance to prove his fitness.

Rabada marked his comeback with a wicket off his second delivery, bowling an away swinger that Bryce Parsons edged behind. His first over conceded just two runs.

He finished his spell with 2/48 from four overs, though his figures could have been better—two dropped catches off his bowling cost Cape Town. More importantly, he bowled with his characteristic pace and aggression, showing no signs of lingering injury.

Rabada's return was carefully managed. Cape Town coach Robin Peterson said, "He's been very professional behind the scenes… We felt [he should sit out] one more game just to make sure he's in the best possible mental space to trust his body." Peterson emphasized the collaborative management between Rabada and the medical team, noting, "He's experienced enough to know when his body needs recovery… He's managed that beautifully."

Despite Rabada's return, Cape Town suffered a heavy defeat. Pretoria posted 220/5, powered by Shai Hope (45 off 30), Wihan Lubbe (60 off 36), Dewald Brevis (36* off 13), and Sherfane Rutherford (47* off 15). Cape Town collapsed to 135 all out in 15 overs in reply, with Keshav Maharaj taking 3/28 and Rutherford 4/24.

The result handed Cape Town their second loss in two completed matches, while Pretoria secured their first win in three outings.