Paarl Royals Off To A Winning Start In SA20
Lhuan-dre Pretorius offered South African cricket a sneak peek into the future after the Betway SA20 Rising Star struck 97 runs off 51 balls (10 fours, 6 sixes), leading the Paarl Royals to a convincing nine-wicket win over the Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Boland Park on Saturday.
The 18-year-old, , showcased his remarkable form as he formed a 132-run opening partnership with former England captain Joe Root.
Pretorius’ explosive batting was evident as he confidently pulled and drove the ball. The former SA U19 talent certainly gained from having the seasoned Root at the non-striker’s end during his League debut.
Root maintained his usual calm demeanor, guiding the Royals to victory with an unbeaten 62 runs off 44 balls (4 fours, 1 six) after Pretorius was dismissed LBW by Marco Jansen.
The defending champions have now suffered their second consecutive defeat following their opening loss to MI Cape Town at St George’s Park last Thursday night.
Things appeared to be going well at the halfway mark when Sunrisers captain Aiden Markram returned to form with a stylish 82 runs off 49 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes). It was a classic Markram performance, featuring his signature square drives along with powerful shots straight down the pitch.
Markram initially stabilized the Sunrisers’ innings alongside Tom Abell (20 runs off 12 balls) in a partnership that yielded 30 runs after losing both openers, Zak Crawley (27 runs off 18 balls) and Jordan Hermann (10 runs off 11 balls), in quick succession.
However, it was the 102-run partnership off just 63 balls with Tristan Stubbs (28 not out off 26 balls) that laid the foundation for the Sunrisers’ total of 175/5.
Royals’ young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka (2/35) displayed his talent under pressure by keeping his composure in the final over of the innings, where he captured the wickets of both Markram and Marco Jansen. Afghanistan’s spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman also took 2/27.
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The Royals can now confidently head down the N1 highway to face MI Cape Town in the Western Cape derby at Newlands on Monday evening.
The Sunrisers will head up to the Highveld for their next match against the Pretoria Capitals on Tuesday night at Centurion.
