NEW DELHI: Paarl Royals continued their impressive SA20 campaign with a convincing eight-wicket win over Pretoria Capitals in the 12th match of the tournament at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
Chasing a daunting target of 213, the Royals displayed a stellar batting performance led by Joe Root and Rubin Hermann.
After opting to bat, the Capitals set an imposing 212/5, thanks to notable contributions from Will Smeed (54 off 34) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (42 off 29).
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Despite a strong platform, the middle-order couldn’t capitalise, with key wickets falling at crucial junctures. Dayyaan Galiem (2/41) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/28) bowled intelligently to restrict further damage.
The Royals’ chase got off to an unfortunate start as Lhuan-dre Pretorius fell to the first ball.
However, Joe Root (92 not out off 60) and Rubin Hermann (56 off 33) steadied the ship with a commanding 125-run partnership.
Root’s finesse and Hermann’s explosive hitting kept the required rate in check. After Hermann’s dismissal, captain David Miller (48 not out off 24) sealed the win with a flurry of boundaries.
With this victory, Paarl Royals strengthened their position at the top of the points table, boasting three wins from four matches.
Meanwhile, Pretoria Capitals, despite a valiant effort, find themselves in the fourth position with nine points from five games.
The Paarl Royals will face the formidable Joburg Super Kings at Boland Park, Paarl, on January 20, aiming to continue their strong form and maintain their top spot on the points table.
With Root and Miller in top form, the Royals will look to dominate.
Meanwhile, Pretoria Capitals, hungry to bounce back from their defeat, will take on the Sunrisers Eastern Cape on January 22 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha.
