The Paarl Royals qualified for the SA20 semi-finals despite suffering a 59-run defeat to the Pretoria Capitals in Centurion on Tuesday.
The Royals needed 227 to win the match and 163 to finish above Durban’s Super Giants on the log on net run rate.
The Royals were reduced to 38-3 in the powerplay and then 101-5 in the 14th over when captain David Miller walked back to the pavilion, seemingly with his team’s hopes of progressing with him.
How big will this David Miller wicket be for #PR's qualification?#Betway #SA20 #PCvPR @Betway_India pic.twitter.com/KSYlakLGIg
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 7, 2023
However, the Royals still had Jos Buttler at the crease and England’s limited-overs captain delivered a superb 70 off 45 balls (four fours, five sixes) to take his team to the brink of qualification.
Ten runs were still required off eight balls when Buttler departed, and it was left to Bjorn Fortuin to get the Royals into the semi-finals as they reached the target with four balls remaining.
WHAT A TENSE NIGHT in the #Betway #SA20
The Paarl Royals have qualified for the semifinals ?
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— SuperSport ? (@SuperSportTV) February 7, 2023
Earlier, Kusal Mendis hit 80 off 41 balls as the Capitals posted 226-5.
Colin Ingram (41 off 21) and Phil Salt (39 off 21) also made worthwhile contributions.
These Kusal Mendis shots ??#Betway #SA20 #PCvPR @Betway_India pic.twitter.com/1JoZu4Y83s
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 7, 2023
The two teams will meet again in the first semi-final at the Wanderers on Wednesday, with the Joburg Super Kings taking on the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Centurion on Thursday.
The final will be at the Wanderers on Saturday.
