Catches win matches and possibly millions in the Betway SA20 Catch R2 million competition.
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As the inaugural edition of the cricket competition enters its second week, some ardent supporters are likely to be working a half day before making their way to Newlands for this afternoon’s crucial outing between MI Cape Town and Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
However, with R2 million quite literally up for grabs, the fixture between the top and bottom teams on the log may have to play second fiddle for many, as spectators will be waiting for the catch of a lifetime.
In a statement yesterday, the title sponsor announced that the “Betway Catch a Million” prize money had officially been doubled to a staggering R2 million.
The announcement guarantees fans over the age of 18 a unique opportunity to win their share of the money should they make a clean, one-handed catch off a six in any of the ongoing SA20 matches.
The catch is not allowed to have touched anything more than the palm of the spectator (person who catches the ball).
This means that the ball cannot come off a hat, an umbrella, another hand, a shoulder, the chest, or be juggled either between hands or on one hand.
“The Betway SA20 is an exciting competition that allows us to engage with our customers in a unique and exciting way,” explained head of marketing, Mark Rowles. “We are absolutely thrilled with how the tournament has gone so far and with us doubling the prize money to R2 million, we hope to see even more fans making their way to the stadiums and being a part of the excitement.”
Tickets to last Tuesday’s opening match at Newlands were quickly sold out, and a near-capacity crowd was treated to a stunning victory for the home team.
A week later, MI Cape Town still top the log but find themselves in a precarious position with two losses from their four outings to date.
The team’s run rate separates them from the Paarl Royals, in second place, followed by the Pretoria Capitals, one point adrift.
However, with the Tshwane-based team yet to play their fourth outing and well within reach of the top of the log, MI Cape Town will be keeping a close eye on today’s other match, at Centurion, while hoping for the best possible outcome in their own home fixture.
The Capetonian attack is spearheaded by Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who is joined in the Newlands nest by the likes of Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan, England’s big-hitting Liam Livingstone, and swing merchant Sam Curran, as well as South Africa’s newest sensation, Dewald Brevis, aka Baby AB!
Last week, the baby-faced assassin thrilled fans with his knock of 70 not out (41 balls, 4×4, 5×6) to ease MI Cape Town to a rousing eight-wicket victory over the Paarl Royals.
The squad is also laced with talent all around with local boys George Linde and Beuran Hendricks joined by Rassie van der Dussen, Grant Roelofsen, Duan Jansen and Ryan Rickleton sure to entertain.
MI Cape Town are joining a stellar cast of champions and will be hoping to replicate the success of the five-time IPL champions, the Mumbai Indians, in the SA20.
Matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Tickets are available at Ticketpro.
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Pictures: Barrie Swart