Paarl Royals secured a thrilling six-wicket victory over Joburg Super Kings in Match 15 of SA20 2025 at Boland Park. Despite Jonny Bairstow’s valiant half-century for the Super Kings, Miller’s composed knock guided the Royals to a comfortable win with five balls to spare.
Jonny Bairstow guides Paarl Royals to a competitive total
After being sent in to bat, the Super Kings struggled to find momentum early in their innings. Devon Conway (7) and Faf du Plessis (18) fell cheaply, while Leus du Plooy managed only 6 runs. Jonny Bairstow anchored the innings with a brilliant 60 off 40 balls, including two fours and three sixes, showcasing his trademark aggressive stroke play.
Bairstow found some support from Donovan Ferreira, who contributed a brisk 32* off 19 balls, including one four and two sixes. However, the rest of the lineup failed to capitalize, with Moeen Ali (1) and Sibonelo Makhanya (17) struggling to accelerate.
The Royals’ bowlers kept things tight, with Bjorn Fortuin being the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for just 22 runs in his four overs. Joe Root chipped in with 1 for 16 in his economical spell, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Dayyaan Galiem also claimed a wicket each.
David Miller guides Paarl Royals to victory
Chasing a modest target of 147, the Royals started with a flurry as Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed 27 off just 14 balls, including 4 fours and a six. However, quick wickets from Hardus Viljoen and Imran Tahir pegged them back, leaving them at 68/3.
Mitchell Van Buuren played a stabilizing knock, scoring 44 off 45 balls, but it was David Miller who stole the show. The southpaw displayed his trademark calm under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 40 off 32 balls with three fours and a six. Miller’s calculated aggression and smart rotation of strike ensured the Royals stayed ahead of the required run rate. The home team reached the finish line in 19.1 overs, with 6 wickets in hand.
Tahir bowled a tidy spell for the Super Kings, picking up 1 for 22 in his four overs, while Viljoen claimed 2 for 23. However, the lack of support from the other bowlers allowed the Royals to cruise to victory with ease.
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Paarl Royals make it 3 on the bounce ✅ #BetwaySA20 #PRvJSK #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/DRcg63ycxq
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 20, 2025
Key performances:
- Jonny Bairstow (Joburg Super Kings): 60 runs off 40 balls (2 fours, 3 sixes)
- David Miller (Paarl Royals): 40 runs off 32 balls (3 fours, 1 six)
- Bjorn Fortuin (Paarl Royals): 4 overs, 2 wickets for 22 runs
- Hardus Viljoen (Joburg Super Kings): 4 overs, 2 wickets for 23 runs
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