In an all-around captivating display of cricketing prowess, Paarl Royals inflicted a crushing 59-run defeat on MI Cape Town in Match 14 of SA20 2024 at Boland Park. The Royals bagged their fourth win of the season, maintaining their top spot in the points table of the ongoing cricketing extravaganza.
Jason Roy shines for Paarl Royals
In a strategic move, MI’s skipper Kieron Pollard chose to bowl first, a decision that went differently than planned. Royals openers Jason Roy and Jos Buttler took full advantage of the fielding restrictions, amassing 60 runs in the powerplay. Roy’s explosive fifty off 37 balls fueled a formidable 100-run partnership with Buttler.
The breakthrough came in the 14th over when Thomas Kaber dismissed Roy for a well-made 69. Despite a strong start, the Royals missed a late flourish, finishing at 162/3 in 20 overs. David Miller, retiring hurt on 24, added a twist to the tale, leaving the innings poised for the second half. Debutant Nuwan Thushara claimed two wickets in the 18th over, dismissing Buttler (54) and Fabian Allen (0).
Sloppy run chase by MI Cape Town
Coming to the chase, MI faced early setbacks, losing Rassie Van der Dussen and Dewald Brevis in the opening over to Bjorn Fortuin. The woes continued as in-form batter Ryan Rickelton departed cheaply for six. While Connor Esterhuizen and Sam Curran attempted to stabilize the innings, their cautious approach slowed the run rate. Esterhuizen contributed 32 off 36 balls, and Curran struggled for 18 runs from 27 balls. Liam Livingstone and Kaber made modest contributions, scoring 22 and 14 runs, respectively.
However, the Royals’ bowlers dominated, with Fortuin shining with three wickets, Tabraiz Shamsi delivering a double-wicket maiden over, and Lungi Ngidi and Obed McCoy chipping in with two wickets each. MI eventually got bowled out for 103.
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
Well Played Jason Roy
— Ahmed Shabbir Cheema (@Ahmedshabb37475) January 21, 2024
Jason Roy in SA20 so far:
68(46), 38(14), 5(6), 5(6), 23(16)
Sixes: 7
Fours: 11
Strike rate: 157
We’ll cook in the upcoming IPL and shut ECB’s mouth.
— Garvika (@dvincentstrange) January 21, 2024
Jos Buttler when he sees a team starting with MI pic.twitter.com/3kWJU9JbLt
— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) January 21, 2024
The Jason Roy we know. 😍💗 pic.twitter.com/YpiApthGOh
— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) January 21, 2024
Nuwan Thusara cleaning up Jos Buttler. 🔥
– That sound after the ball crashed the stumps…!!! 🔊pic.twitter.com/4AWvpLe1Xy
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 21, 2024
Give Bjorn Fortuin the ‘Freedom of Paarl’. He really loves his hometown ground.#SA20#SA20League
— Ami (@AmiJaneD) January 21, 2024
Home turf dominance! Paarl Royals showing MI Cape Town no mercy this afternoon. 🏏#Betway #SA20 #WelcomeToIncredible #PRvMICT pic.twitter.com/jCcKCKUjRL
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 21, 2024
Nobody is winning there,none of them understand how to play at paarl apart from the royals
— Huzayfa Dadabhay (@DadabhayHuzayfa) January 21, 2024
Literally witnessed Paarl Royals brutally harassing MI Capetown.#PRvMICT #MICTvPR #SA20
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) January 21, 2024
𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 1️⃣4️⃣ 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩, Paarl Royals get their revenge plus a bonus point #PRvMICT #Betway #SA20 #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/KNqatvWhle
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 21, 2024
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