Nelson Mandela Bay Giants captain Jon-Jon Smuts was pleased to overcome a threatening partnership between Cape Town Blitz openers Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan in Wednesday’s Mzansi Super League match at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.

De Kock and Malan added 72 inside seven overs, which effectively suggested the Blitz would reach a final total of 200-plus. They only managed 186-9, though, which the Giants later surpassed with five wickets in hand and four deliveries to spare.

‘It was a great game and playing at PE is always exciting. We had a tough start, but restricting them to 180-odd was great. At one point we thought we would be chasing 240,’ said Smuts.

The Giants’ pursuit was spearheaded by Smuts’ half-century and a complementary 40 not out off 20 deliveries from sidekick Marco Marais. All-rounder Chris Morris then hit the winning runs.

‘It was a great finish by Marco in the end. He played the finishing role to perfection,’ added Smuts.

The Port Elizabeth franchise will meet the Durban Heat, who are currently four positions inferior in the 2019 tournament’s six-team standings, on Saturday.

‘We have to respect every opposition, so we are looking to take it one game at a time. We also look forward to playing at PE for the next two games and take full advantage of the familiar conditions at our home ground,’ concluded Smuts.

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