The Joburg Super Kings live to fight another day, while the Paarl Royals’ campaign came to an end after the local team won Wednesday’s SA20 eliminator playoff at the Wanderers.
The Super Kings, who stuttered their way to the playoffs, were ruthless in beating the Royals by nine wickets to set up a return to the Bullring on Thursday, for the second playoff qualifier against Durban’s Super Giants. The winner of that will face the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Saturday’s final at Newlands.
JSK were forced into a change to their playing XI after Lizaad Williams – their leading wicket-taker – suffered a side strain. English seamer Sam Cook took his place, for his SA20 debut and duly delivered a double-wicket over early on. He claimed the big wicket of England white-ball captain Jos Buttler (10 off eight), before tempting Mitchell van Buuren into an ill-judged hook.
The latter’s dismissal was, however, due to a fantastic running catch by Imran Tahir. The 44-year-old veteran completed a superb two-handed catch diving back.
Buoyed by Tahir’s athleticism, the men in yellow soon had the Royals 49-4 at the end of the powerplay, courtesy of Nandre Burger also bowling a double-wicket over that saw Jason Roy (24 off 14) and Wihan Lubbe return to the changeroom – leaving captain David Miller and Dane Vilas to attempt a rearguard effort.
The visiting skipper tried his best to keep his team afloat, but eventually departed for 47 – caught behind off the bowling of fired-up Tahir.
The lower-order couldn’t withstand the JSK bowlers, with Cook claiming figures of 4-24, Burger backing up him up with 3-26 and spinners Tahir (2-33) and Moeen Ali (1-26) also chipping in.
Du Plooy and his captain Faf du Plessis dominated the powerplay as they raced to 63-0 within the first six overs. Du Plooy was the aggressor and brought up his 50 off 29 balls, while Du Plessis played the anchor role.
The Super Kings opening pair ate a further chunk out of the run chase as they brought up their 100-run partnership in 62 balls.
Unfortunately, Du Plooy fell shortly afterwards for an entertaining 68 off 43 balls when he was beaten in the flight by Tabraiz Shamsi allowing Buttler to stump him.
However, there was no further luck for the Royals as Du Plessis (55*) and his former opening partner Reeza Hendricks (five not out) saw their team home.
“Who doesn’t like an underdog? We feel that things are slowly falling into place,” said JSK captain Du Plessis. “From a batting perspective we are doing well and allow the bowlers to do their thing. Confidence is such a big part of this game.
“We are excited and we know it’s hard work going back to back to back. But the guys are hungry to put in the performances. Hopefully we rock up fresh and do well tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Royals captain David Miller was left to bemoan what may have been.
“Disappointing game. It was a great campaign though. This game has winners and losers. Not enough runs,” Miller said.
“We did not pitch up in key moments, we controlled most of the games but in three to four overs we let that slip. In this game a couple of overs can be key to swinging a game.
“Unfortunate, but really enjoyed the campaign. This tournament is quick and fast, games come every second day. You have to forget the previous day and try to find a way to win. It’s about one or two guys inspiring the others.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportzpics
