Paarl Royals claim top spot on SA20 points table after win over Durban’s Super Giants

Paarl Royals have solidified their position at the summit of the SA20 Season 3 standings following a decisive five-wicket victory over Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) at Kingsmead. This result brings the Royals within striking distance of securing the first playoff spot, as they now sit comfortably with 20 points.

In contrast, the Super Giants face mounting challenges as they remain anchored to the bottom of the table with just eight points. With three league matches left, Lance Klusener’s team must win all remaining games, preferably with bonus points, to reach a maximum of 23 points and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

The contest featured a captivating battle between Afghanistan’s mystery spinners—Mujeeb-ur-Rahman for the Royals and Noor Ahmad for the Super Giants. Mujeeb delivered a masterful performance, claiming 2/23 and playing a pivotal role in restricting DSG to 142/7. His precision dismantled the Super Giants’ momentum, starting with the prized wicket of captain Quinton de Kock, who scored a brisk 43 before falling to Mujeeb at long-off.

Mujeeb also dismissed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen for just two runs, further tightening the screws during the middle overs. Despite a solid opening partnership of 62 runs between Matthew Breetzke (25) and de Kock, the Super Giants struggled to regain their footing. Contributions from Wiaan Mulder (24) and Jon-Jon Smuts (32) added some resistance, but the Royals’ bowlers kept control.

Chasing 143 for victory, the Royals endured an early setback with the dismissal of Joe Root. However, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, one of SA20’s rising stars, provided momentum with a quick-fire 25 off 13 balls. The highlight of the chase came from Rubin Hermann, who continued his excellent form with a blistering 44 off just 22 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and three sixes. Hermann’s aggressive innings kept the Royals ahead of the required rate, despite being undone by a sensational delivery from Noor Ahmad.

Noor showcased his class with a stunning ball to bowl Hermann, arguably the best delivery of the tournament. However, it proved to be the Super Giants’ only breakthrough during the Royals’ chase. Mitchell van Buuren steadied the innings with a composed, unbeaten 44, anchoring the team to the target with ease.