MI Cape Town may have qualified for the SA20 playoffs for the first time after their 10-wicket thrashing of defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Newlands, but they have no intention of letting up now.
All-rounder Corbin Bosch claims the team have firmly set their sights on finishing top of the table and hauling in neighbours Paarl Royals, who are currently ahead by just a single point.
The two Western Cape sides will face off in next Tuesday’s Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, with the winner automatically progressing to the grand final.
There were some whispers that coach Robin Peterson may run with some fringe players – such as rookie seamer Tristan Luus, with qualification assured – but Bosch believes taking momentum into the playoffs remains as crucial as ever.
MI Cape Town still have two league matches left – away and at home – against Pretoria Capitals, starting with their Centurion clash today (5.30pm start).
“The guys are very professional,” said Bosch, who claimed a SA20 career-best 4/19 against the Sunrisers.
“We still want to take it one game at a time, and I think that’s definitely important moving forward.
“We’ve got a game to win in Pretoria. I mean, we’d like to finish at the top of the log. I think that would be a testament to the team doing all the right things.
“We were at the bottom of the log for the past two previous seasons, so what a way to just go forward and try to finish on top of the log this season, leading into the play-offs.”
Bosch may also have some extra personal motivation heading back to Pretoria for today’s clash against the Capitals.
The 30-year-old was released by the Centurion-based franchise after last season, which allowed MI Cape Town to pick him up as a ‘wild card’ signing.
Bosch has since enjoyed an incredible year, having debuted across international formats for the Proteas, and now playing a pivotal role in MI Cape Town’s resurgence.
He is certainly expecting a heated reception when he runs in to bowl at Centurion this evening.
“It’s been an absolutely incredible past few months – literally, month, month-and-a-half,” Bosch said.
“I don’t think I could have dreamt in my wildest dreams that the past, I think six months ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be sitting in the position having played two different formats for my country.
“So, I’m just absolutely grateful that I can play, let alone contribute to the side’s successes in the various formats.
“But it’s not so nice when I’m going to go back home on Friday, and they’re going to boo me. That’s going to be a weird one!”
Today’s clash at Centurion will be followed by the return match at Newlands on Sunday (3.30pm start) where MI Cape Town will be looking to emulate the Royals’ feat of having won all five league matches at home.