The sixth match of the highly anticipated SA20 2024 tournament unfolded at the iconic SuperSport Park, Centurion, featuring a clash between the Paarl Royals and the Pretoria Capitals. The toss favoured the Capitals, who opted to bowl, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. What transpired was a roller-coaster of a match that showcased exemplary performances with both bat and ball.
David Miller and Mitchell Van Buuren unleash beast mode
The Paarl Royals, batting first, delivered a commanding innings, amassing an imposing total of 210/3 in their allotted 20 overs. The top order set the tone for the Royals, with Jos Buttler (39 runs off 23 balls) and the explosive David Miller (75 runs off 42 balls) making significant contributions. Miller’s innings, adorned with eight fours and three sixes, electrified the crowd and laid a strong foundation for the Royals. Mitchell Van Buuren‘s blistering knock of 72 runs off 40 balls further propelled the Royals to a formidable total.
Rossouw and Jacks Lead the Fightback
In response, the Pretoria Capitals faced an uphill battle chasing a challenging target of 211. Despite an early setback with Philip Salt departing for a duck, Will Jacks (58 runs off 34 balls) and Rilee Rossouw (82 runs off 45 balls) orchestrated a commendable fightback. The Capitals, however, struggled to keep up with the mounting required run rate.
Lungi Ngidi’s masterclass: Royals’ bowling excellence
The turning point of the match came with the exceptional bowling performance by Lungi Ngidi. Ngidi’s four-over spell yielded four crucial wickets, conceding only 39 runs. Supported by an efficient bowling unit, including Obed McCoy, Bjorn Fortuin, and Andile Phehlukwayo, the Royals managed to stifle the Capitals’ chase. Despite late-order resistance from Rossouw and contributions from Jacks, the Capitals fell short, posting a total of 200/7 in their 20 overs.
Also READ: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dubey’s thunderous knock powers India to a series-clinching victory over Afghanistan in 2nd T20I
Miller and Ngidi seal the deal
Ultimately, the Paarl Royals clinched victory by a margin of 10 runs. The electrifying display of cricket witnessed at SuperSport Park showcased the competitive spirit of both teams in the SA20 2024 tournament. Miller’s explosive innings and Ngidi’s masterful bowling exhibition not only entertained the cricket enthusiasts but also added an enthralling chapter to the ongoing tournament.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Davey loves batting against the Capitals 💗 pic.twitter.com/VGWA1sucIi
— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) January 14, 2024
Captain David Miller seems a different demon, always knew he should bat higher up the order #SA20
— Mohammed Doodha (@DooDha_305) January 14, 2024
Lungi Ngidi will probably have the highest strike with slower deliveries . #SA20 #CricketTwitter
— Aravind (@netcitizen) January 14, 2024
End of outstanding knock of Rilee Rossouw 45 Balls 82 runs including
10 sixes 3 fours 182.22 SrCan’t wait to see him in IPL💪🏽🔥✌🏽#PunjabKings #IPL #RileeRossouw #CricketTwitter #INDvsAFG
— Guri𝕩 (@Guri_Pbks) January 14, 2024
Fireworks from @Rileerr and @Wjacks9 💥💥💥💥💥 #SA20
— Nabeel Hashmi (@iNabeelHashmi) January 14, 2024
Lungi Ngidi 4 you. 💗 pic.twitter.com/MvIbOOeq2p
— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) January 14, 2024
25 Year Old Mitchell Van Burren outbatting David Miller in Death overs
Elite Talent#SA20
— SINLESANN (@SINLESANN) January 14, 2024
Lungi Ngidi taking no prisoners in Centurion tonight. 💥#Betway #SA20 #WelcomeToIncredible #PCvPR pic.twitter.com/ntIcYFwVx3
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 14, 2024
David Miller is killer @SA20_League
— jago Fiore (@giacomojfiore) January 14, 2024
Wow! What an innings from Mitch Van Buuren and David Miller ❤️🔥#SA20 @prasannalara @paarlroyals
— Mani (@mr_mk_offc) January 14, 2024
Rilee Rossouw on Absolute fire 🔥
— 𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 || 𝑮𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 🇵🇰🇯🇴 (@TahaaAftab) January 14, 2024
This is some batting from Rilee Rossouw. 🙌
— Marc with a “C”. (@MarcPaulse2) January 14, 2024
I find it very strange that Rilee Rossouw is not one of the main players in the Proteas squad for both white ball formats, he never gets enough respect
— Sherahn Hendricks (@sherahn) January 14, 2024