The Paarl Royals on Wednesday registered their third win of SA20 2024, beating a visiting Joburg Super Kings side by 7 wickets. The Boland Park turned up in pink to support the home team and they didn't disappoint, putting up a commanding show with bat and ball.

 

 

McCoy, Ngidi come to the Party

The Super Kings won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a bright and sunny day conditions and clear skies setting up for a juicy first 20 overs. Pacers Obed McCoy and Lungi Ngidi wreaked havoc in the Powerplay to leave the Joburg Super Kings reeling at 30/6 by the 6th over. Having already lost their captain Faf du Plessis, the responsibility to stabilise the innings was left with the middle order. But apart from half-centurion Leus du Plooy, no other batter could get going thanks to the Royals' bowlers who kept coming back to hunt. The Super Kings innings featured as many as three run-outs that led to complete harakiri. They were eventually bundled out for 134 with one ball left in the innings. 

Buttler turns up the heat

Boland Park was in for a special treat as Jos Buttler returned to his usual form after a few quiet starts to smash his first fifty of the season. Along with Wihan Lubbe, the Englishman put up an 87-run stand and struck 8 fours and 3 sixes overall. His 37-ball 70 coupled with Lubbe's clinical 39 made the chase seem like cakewalk for the Royals.That they had an added motivation to get the bonus point ensured the game was done and dusted well within the 15-over mark. Buttler also reached a personal milestone in the process, completing 500 runs in the SA20. 

 

 

What's next?

With 13 points and a solid NRR of +1.540, the Royals have occupied the top spot in the points table and have registered three wins on the trot. Next up, David Miller & co. will be taking on MI Cape Town at Newlands in two days' time.