In a thrilling encounter at Centurion on January 18, 2025, Joe Root showcased his T20 prowess by guiding the Paarl Royals to a record-breaking eight-wicket victory over the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league. Chasing a formidable target of 213, Root’s unbeaten 92 off 60 balls, embellished with 11 fours and 2 sixes, was instrumental in achieving the highest successful run chase in SA20 history.
The Royals faced an early setback when opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius was dismissed on the first ball of the innings. However, debutant Rubin Hermann seized the moment, contributing a brisk 56 off 33 deliveries. Together, Root and Hermann forged a pivotal 125-run partnership, laying a solid foundation for the chase.
Following Hermann’s departure, captain David Miller joined Root at the crease. The duo exhibited composure and strategic acumen, amassing an unbroken 88-run stand to steer the Royals to victory with just two balls to spare.
Reflecting on the match, Root expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I’m happy, it’s a great tournament, great to be a part and have an opportunity to play T20 cricket… I knew partnerships were the key, anything could have been chased here, just wanted to stay in the game.”
This performance not only underscores Root’s adaptability across cricket formats but also propels the Paarl Royals to the top of the SA20 points table. As the tournament progresses, the Royals will aim to maintain this momentum, with Root’s form serving as a significant advantage in their campaign.