The Paarl Royals’ bowlers delivered a precise performance to build up their team’s easy victory over Sunrisers Eastern Cape. First-innings batters Eastern Cape only managed 130 runs, and in spite of their heroic efforts with the bat, David Miller led the Royals to victory in the penultimate over. Making the poor decision to bat first, Eastern Cape’s openers left the game with single-digit scores. In order to rebuild the innings, JJ Smuts stayed firm at one end and scored 44 runs for the third wicket. Aiden Markram, however, struggled at the other end as the run rate was controlled.
Smuts continued to create a crucial fifty for his side when Markram left. Along with Tristan Stubbs, he was the crucial batter going into the final five overs. He hit the boundary eight times in his 65. However, both players were unable to contribute at the very last second. While Andile Phehlukwayo and Evan Jones each got a few wickets to keep them to 130/7, Lungi Ngidi remained tight. Jos Buttler was in his groove to get his team off to a strong start while Jason Roy struggled in the run chase, needing 16 balls to score just 8.
Buttler occasionally cleared the ropes and reached a fifty, but regular wickets at the other end enabled Eastern Cape to mount a valiant comeback. When Buttler was out of the game, the Paarl Royals eleven still needed 51 runs from their first 43, and Roelof van der Merwe took a handful of wickets. Miller then grabbed control of the situation and crushed any heist plans the bowling side had by smashing four sixes in his undefeated 37.
Explore how Paarl Royals bowling skills overcome Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
