SA20: Paarl Royals Secure Unbeaten Home Record, Durban’s Super Giants Bow Out
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Paarl Royals achieved an incredible feat, finishing the home league phase of the SA20 season unbeaten with a five-game record at Boland Park. Their recent victory over Durban’s Super Giants secured the latter's elimination from playoff contention.
Key Takeaways
- Paarl Royals achieve a flawless home record.
- Durban’s Super Giants eliminated from playoffs.
- Luhan-dre Pretorius excels as top run-scorer.
- Kwena Maphaka delivers outstanding bowling performance.
- David Miller's fitness raises concerns for the Royals.
Paarl Royals have achieved a remarkable feat by securing a flawless five-game home record at Boland Park as of January 28. This marks the first instance in which any team has finished the league stage of the competition without a home defeat.
The previous record was held by Joburg Super Kings, who managed four wins and one washout at the Wanderers during the inaugural season.
With a thrilling six-wicket victory over Durban’s Super Giants, the Royals have ensured that last season’s runners-up are now eliminated from playoff contention.
The exceptional talents of South Africa, Luhan-dre Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka, played pivotal roles in the Royals' dominance at the top of the SA20 standings, earning them 28 points.
Maphaka delivered his finest performance of the tournament to date, claiming figures of 2-22, limiting DSG to 143/7, while Pretorius scored 43 runs off 29 balls during the successful chase.
Pretorius has reclaimed his position as the leading run-scorer, surpassing his opening partner Joe Root, who fell LBW on the first delivery of the innings, thus becoming the first player to exceed 300 runs in Season 3.
The Royals have unearthed several promising young batsmen this season, with Rubin Hermann shining in his debut SA20 season by scoring an impressive 59 off 51 balls, showcasing his innovative batting against spinners.
Ultimately, it was allrounder Dayyaan Galiem who sealed the victory with a six, just two balls remaining.
After experimenting with five spinners in their last match, the Royals revamped their bowling attack, bringing back Galiem and Maphaka to the starting lineup.
Maphaka’s performance was outstanding, as he took the crucial wicket of Brandon King and deceived Heinrich Klaasen with a well-executed slower ball.
“I was eager to deliver a strong performance. I hadn’t been at my best, and I wanted to contribute to the team,” Maphaka stated. “I’ve bowled to Klaasen in the nets before, and the slower ball worked perfectly.”
Meanwhile, the Super Giants will reflect on a tough season where they struggled for form, particularly under the leadership of Keshav Maharaj.
Aussie T20 World Cup champion Marcus Stoinis made a notable attempt to impact the game with his first Betway SA20 half-century, scoring 55 runs off 35 balls.
He formed a 53-run partnership with Kane Williamson, who contributed 45 runs off 36 balls, lifting DSG to 143/7.
Stoinis was particularly aggressive against Root, scoring 24 runs off his 11 deliveries, including two towering sixes.
However, it was not enough to halt the Royals’ march to victory.
The only concern for the Royals is the fitness of their captain David Miller, who left the field during DSG’s innings and did not bat during the chase.
