Boland Park witnessed a finish that was just nail-biting as the Paarl Royals outperformed Durban’s Super Giants by six wickets, placing them at the summit of the SA20 2025 table. They were the fifth in a row on home soil for the team and the first side in the tournament’s history to go through its campaign without any home loss.
Batting first, Durban’s Super Giants struggled early, losing openers Quinton de Kock and Brandon King inside the PowerPlay. The team then stuttered to 33/3. A stable partnership of 53 runs was however added by Marcus Stoinis and Kane Williamson that steadied the innings. With an unbeaten 55 off 35 balls, Stoinis made it known that he can be very handy, and Williamson scored 45 off 36 balls. Despite their efforts, the Super Giants managed a modest total of 143/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
The Royals’ bowling attack was spearheaded by young talent Kwena Maphaka, who delivered his best performance of the season with figures of 2/22. His early breakthroughs and effective death bowling were instrumental in restricting the opposition.
Chasing 144, the Royals suffered an early jolt as opener Joe Root was dismissed for a first-ball duck. But a solid 91-run stand between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rubin Hermann steadied the ship. Pretorius played a brisk innings, scoring 43 off 29 balls, reclaiming his position as the tournament’s top run-scorer with over 300 runs.
Rubin Hermann emerged as the star of the chase, anchoring the innings with a composed 59 off 51 deliveries. His innovative stroke play, especially against the spinners, kept the scoreboard ticking. Hermann’s ability to sweep and reverse-sweep with confidence showcased his adaptability and skill.
As the match reached its end, the Royals needed 24 off three overs. Dinesh Karthik took some burden off in a towering 21 off 15 for the Royals. However, all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem saw the Royals home as with six runs required off the last over, he hit a huge six and sealed the victory off the last ball with two to spare, and the home crowd erupted.
This victory not only reinforced the Royals’ dominance in the tournament but also highlighted their successful strategy of nurturing young talent. The contributions from emerging players like Pretorius, Hermann, and Maphaka have been pivotal in their unbeaten home run.
While reflecting on the match, Maphaka said, “I was really itching to put in a good performance. Had not been performing too well, wanted to put up a good performance for the boys and the team.”
Royals’ skipper, David Miller, who had come off the field during Super Giants’ innings due to a hamstring, did not bat. He has proven to be a great captain for the Royals, leading his team to the top of the table all season.
This win, therefore, marks a new benchmark for the Paarl Royals in the SA20 league with a blend of experienced leadership and youthful exuberance. They are the team to beat as the tournament unfolds because they still have their eyes on the championship title.