SA20 (Game 32) – Eliminator – Joburg Super Kings vs Paarl Royals
The Joburg Super Kings booked their spot in the second Qualifier of the SA20, delivered a commanding performance against the Paarl Royals in the Eliminator. Faf Du Plessis and his men toppled the strong Royals batters for a below par score, before chasing it down in break neck speed. Leus Du Plooy and Du Plessis both registered half centuries in the run chase while Cook and Burger delivered with the ball.
Batting first, the Paarl Royals struggled to find momentum as they were bundled out for a meager total of 138 runs. Despite a brief partnership between Dane Vilas and David Miller, the Royals failed to build substantial innings, with Nandre Burger, Imran Tahir and Sam Cook inflicting significant damage with the ball for the Super Kings. 44 year old Imran Tahir was also exceptional in the field, snatching two crucial catches out in the deep, giving the Joburg crowd tons to smile about as he and the team celebrated a great first innings performance.
Joburg were quick to make light work of the target, cruising to victory with nine wickets in hand and plenty of overs to spare. Leus du Plooy led the charge with a 68 run blitz in the first 10 overs, while Faf du Plessis nabbed an unbeaten 34 rock 55. The pairs opening stand was just what the Super Kings needed going into a death match the following day, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament and sealing the Royals unfortunate fate.
Chief Scores:
Paarl Royals – 138 for 10 in 18.5 overs (David Miller 47, Jaosn Roy 24, Dane Vilas 21, Sam Cook 4 for 24, Nandre Burger 3 for 26, Imran Tahir 2 for 33)
Joburg Super Kings – 139 for 1 in 13.2 overs (Leus du Plooy 68, Faf du Plessis 55*, Reeza Hendricks 5*, Tabraiz Shamsi 1 for 43, Andile Phelukwayo 0 for 10, Obed McCoy 0 for 18)
