By Tim Douglas 
Joburg Super Kings (JSK) kept their SA20 Season 3 playoff hopes alive with a dominant seven-wicket win over table-toppers Paarl Royals at Wanderers on Thursday. Led by an outstanding 87 off 55 balls from captain Faf du Plessis, JSK successfully chased down Paarl Royals’ 150/9, drawing level on 19 points with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, though trailing on bonus points.
Du Plessis Anchors Clinical Chase
In a must-win clash, Faf du Plessis delivered a captain’s knock, showcasing his class with four boundaries and seven towering sixes. He was well-supported by Devon Conway (20 off 25) as the duo stitched together a 54-run opening stand, setting a strong foundation for the chase.
Despite a tricky pitch, Du Plessis played with composure and aggression, ensuring that the Super Kings maintained control throughout the chase. His performance underlined the importance of experience in high-stakes matches.
“We needed that. It was a big game for us to stay in the competition. The wicket wasn’t easy, but I’m really pleased with the way the team performed,” Du Plessis said after the match.
Ferreira and Sipamla Star with the Ball
Earlier in the evening, JSK’s bowling attack put in a collective effort to restrict Paarl Royals. Donovan Ferreira (3/23) was the standout performer, dismantling the Royals’ top order, while Lutho Sipamla (3/19) continued his fine form, taking his tally to 11 wickets in the tournament.
The Royals had a shaky start, losing Sam Hain—brought in for the rested Joe Root—off just the second ball of the innings. Without key players Root and captain David Miller (who was unavailable due to the birth of his child), the team struggled to build momentum.
Although Dinesh Karthik (53 off 39) fought hard, bringing up his maiden SA20 half-century, the lack of support from the middle order meant the Royals could only muster 150/9.
“We needed to be more aggressive in the Powerplay. You can’t afford a slow start in T20 cricket,” Du Plessis reflected on the Royals’ approach.
Playoff Race Heats Up
With this win, Joburg Super Kings have significantly boosted their playoff qualification hopes. With just a few games remaining in the group stage, they will need to maintain this momentum to cement a spot in the SA20 Season 3 knockout rounds.
Stand-in Royals captain Bjorn Fortuin took the positives from the defeat, noting:
“It was a chance for some players to get valuable game time. The conditions were tough, but we have to move forward and focus on the next match.”
What’s Next?
JSK will now shift their focus to their final league matches, aiming for a strong finish, while Paarl Royals, despite the loss, remain comfortably placed at the top of the table.