By Tim Douglas 
Paarl Royals etched their names in SA20 history by completing a flawless five-game home record at Boland Park on Monday evening. With a thrilling six-wicket victory over Durban’s Super Giants (DSG), the Royals became the first team to go unbeaten at home through the league phase. The win eliminated last season’s runners-up, DSG, from playoff contention, marking the end of their campaign.
This historic feat keeps the Royals atop the SA20 table with 28 points and solidifies their status as title favorites.
Teen Sensations Shine
Teenage stars Luhan-dre Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka were pivotal in this monumental win. Maphaka delivered a career-best performance, taking 2/22 to restrict DSG to 143/7, while Pretorius smashed 43 off 29 balls in the chase.
Pretorius reclaimed the top scorer position in the tournament, becoming the first batter to surpass 300 runs in Season 3. His knock, filled with elegant strokes and powerful hits, was instrumental in setting the tone for the Royals’ chase.
Rubin Hermann, another rising talent, continued his impressive debut season with a composed 59 off 51 balls. His innovative strokeplay, especially against the spinners, was a highlight of the innings.
The final flourish came from all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem, who sealed the game with a massive six, leaving just two balls to spare.
Bowlers Set the Stage
The Royals’ bowlers laid the foundation for the win. Maphaka struck early with a peach of a delivery to dismiss Brandon King and later removed Heinrich Klaasen with a cleverly disguised slower ball. Speaking post-match, Maphaka said:
“I’ve been training for moments like this since I was 12. It feels great to contribute when the team needed it most.”
Galiem, making a return to the XI alongside Maphaka, added depth to the Royals’ bowling attack, ensuring the spinners had adequate support.
DSG’s Struggles Continue
Durban’s Super Giants endured another frustrating outing. Despite Marcus Stoinis smashing his maiden SA20 fifty off 35 balls and a steady 45 from Kane Williamson, the team faltered. Stoinis punished Joe Root’s bowling, scoring 24 runs off just 11 deliveries, but DSG’s 143/7 was always below par.
Captain Keshav Maharaj and his side will lament missed opportunities as their campaign ends prematurely.
Fitness Concerns for Royals
The Royals’ only worry from the match is the fitness of captain David Miller, who left the field during DSG’s innings and didn’t bat in the chase. His status remains uncertain.