Parsons' all-round show, Brevis' blitz power Pretoria Capitals into SA20 final

An all-round performance from Bryce Parsons and a blistering half-century from Dewald Brevis propelled Pretoria Capitals into their second SA20 final with a seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the first Qualifier in Durban.

Parsons' figures of 3 for 10 in the death overs were instrumental in restricting the Sunrisers to 170/7. He then contributed a fine 60 off 44 balls, while Brevis struck an unbeaten 75 off 38 deliveries, including seven sixes, as the Capitals chased down the target in 18.3 overs.

The Capitals' chase was built on composure after an early setback. Shai Hope fell inside the PowerPlay, but Bryce Parsons settled quickly, pulling with authority. Connor Esterhuizen provided steady support, with the pair taking the Capitals past 50 in the seventh over.

The decisive phase began when Dewald Brevis joined Parsons after Esterhuizen's dismissal. Brevis announced himself with a four and a six off Anrich Nortje in the 10th over, taking the Capitals to 77/2 at the halfway stage.

Brevis continued to score freely, as did Parsons, who reached a 40-ball fifty. The Capitals were 136 for 2 after 16 overs. Sunrisers had a brief opening when Nortje bowled Parsons for 60, but Brevis closed the game emphatically. He tore into Lewis Gregory in the 18th over, hitting three sixes in four balls to seal the win with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, after opting to bat, Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow provided a steady start for the Sunrisers. Bairstow ensured momentum continued, partnering with Jordan Hermann to take the team to 49 for 1 at the end of the PowerPlay.

The innings accelerated through the middle overs as Bairstow cleverly manipulated the field, using the reverse sweep and punishing short deliveries. He reached a 35-ball half-century, and with Hermann batting positively at the other end, the pair added 81 runs quickly. The Sunrisers crossed 100 in the 11th over, but Bairstow fell leg-before to Keshav Maharaj two overs later. By the 14th over, they were 125 for 2, aiming for a total near 200 before the innings turned dramatically.

That shift was orchestrated by Parsons. Introduced at the start of the 15th over, he delivered a spell of remarkable control, taking 3 wickets across three overs. He bowled Hermann for 41, and after Maharaj dismissed Marco Jansen, Parsons had Chris Green stumped, reducing the Sunrisers to 134/5 in the 17th over. In the 19th over, he trapped Matthew Breetzke lbw, leaving the Sunrisers at 150/6. James Coles' late hitting, including two fours and a six off Lizaad Williams, helped them reach 170, but it proved insufficient.

Brief scores:
Sunrisers Eastern Cape 170/7 in 20 overs (Jonny Bairstow 50, Jordan Hermann 41; Bryce Parsons 3-10, Keshav Maharaj 2-24) lost to Pretoria Capitals 172/3 in 18.3 overs (Dewald Brevis 75*, Bryce Parsons 60; Anrich Nortje 1-33) by 7 wickets.