Brief scores: Joburg Super Kings 81, 17.2 overs (Bjorn Fortuin 3-16, Evan Jones 3-21) lost to Paarl Royals 82-3, 10.3 overs (Jos Buttler 29*; Romario Shepherd 1-10) by 7 wickets

Paarl Royals on Friday put up a stunning exhibition of spin and pace bowling against Joburg Super Kings to deliver their first win of the SA20. That it came at their home ground Boland Park, made it even more memorable. 

Earlier at the toss, Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and chose to bat first. But that decision soon backfired as the visitors started falling like ninepins, courtesy a tight bowling performance from the Royals. The hosts went in with two changes from their first match - experienced pacer Lungi Ngidi and all-rounder Evan Jones replacing Codi Yusuf and left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds. It was a move that paid off as both Lungi and Evan reaped rich dividends on a track that was better suited for bowlers.

Bjorn-Evan spin a web

Having impressed in the Powerplay against MI Cape Town, Bjorn was promoted by captain David Miller to open the bowling attack. His first over gave away just 4 runs, and it was followed up by a brilliant 2-run over by Lungi. The pressure got to the Super Kings, with both openers making the long walk back to the dressing room in Bjorn's very next over. Capitalising on the momentum, Lungi then came back to nip out the prized scalp of their captain. Another successful over saw Bjorn picking his third wicket and finishing with commendable figures of 3/16, as the Super Kings were left rattled at 17/4.

 

Evan was brought in straightaway in the 7th over, and once again, the move had worked. Donavon Ferreira tried to swing an incoming delivery across the line but was undone by the angle, only to be clean bowled. Ferisco Adams, Tabraiz Shamsi all got into the act, leaving no scope for the batting side to even start consolidating their innings. Evan returned for a second spell, claiming two more wickets as the Super Kings were bundled out cheaply for 81.

A cakewalk chase

In a change of strategy, Jason Roy walked out alongside opener Jos Buttler for the chase, instead of Wihan Lubbe who opened in the previous game. Jason departed early on after scoring a couple of boundaries, but it was Jos who did the bulk of the run-scoring to ensure the Royals were on track, not just for the win but also the bonus point. The Royals lost two quick wickets in a short chase but there were no further hiccups as they successfully got over the line in the 11th over. 

Milestone alert!