SA 20 (Game 3) – Paarl Royals vs Pretoria Capitals
In a riveting start to season 2 of South Africa’s domestic T20 league, the Paarl Royals showcased a commendable all-round performance, defeating the Pretoria Capitals with a convincing 27-run victory. Opting to bat first, the Royals posted a competitive total of 160 for 7 in their 20 overs, with notable contributions from David Miller and Mitchell Van Buuren. The Capitals, in response, fell short, managing only 133 for 7, despite Phil Salt’s promising 39.
The Royals owed their success to a stellar bowling effort, particularly from Lungi Ngidi and Obed McCoy, who set the tone with their disciplined spells at the start. Their variation in pace and lengths created inconsistency in the Capitals’ batting lineup. Alongside them, other bowlers, including Andile Phehlukwayo, maintained simplicity and control. Phehlukwayo’s all-round brilliance shone through, as not only did he contribute crucial runs with a match-winning cameo but also picked up 2 wickets for 29 runs.
Earlier in the game, the Royals had a promising start, and it was the partnership between David Miller and Mitchell van Buuren that shifted the momentum in their favor. Andile Phehlukwayo’s impactful cameo in the end added valuable runs to their total. Despite a challenging target, the Capitals had a good start, with Phil Salt leading the chase. However, the Royals’ bowlers, led by Phehlukwayo, created pressure by taking timely wickets. The Capitals, at the halfway mark, seemed on track, but a lack of application in the middle order and James Neesham’s inability to take the strike more often in the final overs cost them a potential victory.
The Royals, on the other hand, will be pleased with this opening win, especially considering the effective contributions from both their batting and bowling units. The Capitals, runners-up of the previous season, will need to regroup and address their batting inconsistencies as they aim for a stronger showing in the matches to come.
Chief Scores:
Paarl Royals – 160 for 7 in 20 overs (David Miller 41, Andile Phehlukwayo 28*, Mitchell Van Buuren 28, Daryn Dupavillion 2 for 29, Corbin Bosch 2 for 35, James Neesham 1 for 14)
Pretoria Capitals 133 for 7 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 39, Rilee Rossouw 29, James Neesham 21, Andile Phehlukwayo 2 for 29, Wihn Lubbe 1 for 6, Tabraiz Shamsi 1 for 22)
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