SA20 (Game 30) – Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Paarl Royals
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape scripted a breathtaking win against Paarl Royals, with Patrick Kruger unleashing a gem of an innings to seal the deal. Eastern Cape chased down a modest total set by the Royals, winning their seventh game of the tournament and ending the group stage in style.
Paarl Royals won the toss and opted to bat first. The Royals saw a promising start fade away in the middle phases, only to be resurrected by a brilliant partnership between Dane Vilas and Wihan Lubbe. Despite Jos Buttler top-scoring with 38, Sunrisers’ bowlers, led by Ottniel Baartman’s crafty bowling, managed to keep the Royals in check at 159 for 7.
Chasing a 160, the Sunrisers did not seem too fazed by it. They faced early pressure, losing two wickets for 49 runs, but were held together by a partnership by skipper Markram and Temba Bavuma. They bolstered the Sunrisers score from 49 to 112, but things got a bit shaky after Markrams departure.
Tristan Stubbs played a pivotal role, taking the team ahead as per the DLS method before rain briefly halted play. Upon resumption, Stubbs’ wicket offered a lifeline to Paarl Royals, but Patrick Kruger played an absolute blinder, smashing 26 runs off just 7 deliveries. Kruger secured a thrilling 5-wicket victory for Sunrisers Eastern Cape by smashing three lusty sixes, signing off the SA20’s group stage with determination and flair.
The Sunrisers now take on the league’s top contenders the Durban Super Giants in a qualifier match. The winner is sent directly to the SA20 Final while the loser has to head to Joburg to fight for the converted Final Spot against either the Super Kings or the Royals.
Chief Scores:-
Paarl Royals – 159 for 7 in 20 overs (Jos Butler 38, Dane Vilas 34, Wihan Lubbe 27, Ottniel Baartman 2 for 33, Simon Harmer 1 for 25, Liam Dawson 1 for 29)
Sunrisers Eastern Cape – 165 for 5 in 19.5 overs (Aiden Markram 37, Temba Bavuma 33, Patrick Kruger 26*, Andile Phehlukwayo 3 for 33, Nqaba Peter 1 for 27, Codi Yusuf 1 for 29)
