Paarl Royals cruise into Qualifier 2 after thumping JSK in Eliminator

A collective all-round performance from Paarl Royals culminated in a clinical 36-run win over Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator at SuperSport Park. Lhuan-dre Pretorius's half-century led a strong batting performance as the Royals finished with 210/5. In reply, the Super Kings lost early wickets and were restricted to 174/8, with Hardus Viljoen taking three wickets.

Put in to bat, the Royals produced their most complete batting performance of the season at Centurion, posting the highest total at the venue this year. Kyle Verreynne set the tone in the PowerPlay with a brisk 30 off 15 before falling to Nandre Burger. Daniel Worrall was economical up front, conceding just 20 in his four overs, but the Royals raced to 61 for 1 after six overs.

The middle overs saw sustained momentum. Pretorius steered the innings with a fluent 51 off 34. Dan Lawrence (36 off 23) and Sikandar Raza (35 off 19) kept the pressure on with clean striking. By the 15th over, the Royals were well placed at 148/4.

Raza struck three sixes and two fours to maintain momentum. Asa Tribe (30 off 16) and Keagan Lion Cachet's late cameo ensured the Royals added 39 runs in the final two overs, pushing the total beyond 200. Barring Worrall, the Super Kings' attack conceded over 10.5 runs per over, with the Royals plundering 62 runs in the last five overs.

Viljoen set the tone with a fiery new-ball spell, striking twice inside his first two overs to dismiss Neil Timmers and Rivaldo Moonsamy. With Bjorn Fortuin and Ottneil Baartman also taking wickets, JSK slumped to 40/4 inside the PowerPlay.

James Vince attempted to revive the chase with a fluent 47 off 29, partnering with Wiaan Mulder. However, spinners Raza and Fortuin applied pressure through the middle overs. When Vince was bowled by Nqobani Mokoena, JSK were reduced to 99/5, effectively ending their hopes.

Mulder's 41 and late blows from Akeal Hosein and Duan Jansen only reduced the margin of defeat. Viljoen finished with 3 for 24, and the spinners conceded little room for recovery. JSK eventually fell well short as Paarl sealed their progression to Qualifier 2.

Brief scores: Paarl Royals 210/5 in 20 overs (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 51, Dan Lawrence 36, Sikandar Raza 35; Wiaan Mulder 2-45) beat Joburg Super Kings 174/8 in 20 overs (James Vince 47, Wiaan Mulder 41; Hardus Viljoen 3-24, Ottneil Baartman 2-47) by 36 runs.