Rickelton relishes capacity Newlands crowd

Ryan Rickelton says he enjoyed the experience of playing for MI Cape Town at a sold-out Newlands on Tuesday.

The Proteas batsman was dropped by Dane Vilas off Codi Yusuf’s bowling when he had yet to score, before going on to make 42 off 33 balls, which included five fours and a six.

Rickelton and Dewald Brevis (70* off 41) put on 90 for the first wicket as the hosts cruised to an eight-wicket win against the Paarl Royals in the opening match of the SA20.

HIGHLIGHTS: MI Cape Town vs Paarl Royals

“It’s probably the fullest house I’ve played in South Africa,” Rickelton told the media afterwards. “I’ve never actually played in front of a full house in Newlands, but there were a lot of kids, and a lot of screaming fans. I think the guys on the mics were loud but were good.

“It’s just awesome to actually get out there with the lights on and put a bit of a partnership with Dewald and just enjoy some really tough and good cricket. There are some highly skilled players in this league and to have the opportunity to take it all in is something that we cherish.”

WATCH: AB has played a key role – Brevis

Rickelton heaped praise on 19-year-old Brevis, who was named Man of the Match.

“I got off quite nicely, which gave him a bit of time, but as I started to slow down a bit, I was kind of like, ‘Come on, mate, show me what you’ve got’.

“I think it was from the sixth over where he took them on. And once that happened, he got going quite nicely. He is such a clean striker of the ball.”