The Paarl Royals on Sunday completed a double over Pretoria Capitals, beating them in back-to-back matches in the SA20 2024. Continuing the winning momentum from the season opener, captain David Miller led the charge in this high-scoring fixture at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, followed by a clutch finish by the bowlers.

The Miller & Mitchell Show

For the second time in a row, the Capitals won the toss and put the Royals into bat. An unchanged Royals XI started off with losing Jason Roy early on, but it was Jos Buttler who took control and went after the bowlers, rounding off an 18-run fifth over to give his team a solid start. His 23-ball 39 set the tone for skipper Miller and Mitchell Van Buuren, who went on to build the most defining partnership for the Royals. Their 141-run stand featured their respective, unbeaten half-centuries that propelled the side to their highest-ever SA20 total, a staggering 210/3 in 20 overs. As many as 21 boundaries were scored between the two batters, who were leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the Royals finished on a high. 

 

 

Ngidi brings the Gees, McCoy the win

The Capitals would've been encouraged by the Centurion pitch, given the way the Royals capitalised on it. But they were in for a rude shock when homeboy Lungi Ngidi bowled a magical first over of fast bowling that saw him pluck two quick wickets. Reeling at 4/2, they were now without Phil Salt and Theunis de Bruyn. Will Jacks and Rilee Rossouw took it upon themselves to turn the tide in their favour and they were largely successful, scoring blazing fifties on their way to almost chasing the target. But with 14 runs to defend in the final over, it came down to Obed McCoy to hit the final nail. If all the high-scoring drama and the ups and downs weren't enough, McCoy was seen struggling as he ran in to bowl the first ball of the 20th over. He went down, got some help from his teammates to stretch it out, and then came back up to deliver what was a commendable winning over - giving away just 3 runs to seal a 10-run victory! 

 

 

What they said...

I was hoping McCoy finishes the over. We wanted to take it as deep as possible but strike as well. Getting two results home and away is what we asked for, very happy - David Miller, Captain

Having Shane Bond as the coach has given me the freedom. Lot of people might think I'm bowling too many slower balls but he said if it's working keep them going - Lungi Ngidi, Player of the Match (4/39)

Way forward...

With two wins in two games and 8 points, the Royals are tied at the top alongside Durban's Super Giants. After a short break, the team will return home to take on their next opponent, the Joburg Super Kings on Wednesday, January 17.