In the 14th match of the SA20 at Boland Park in Paarl, the Paarl Royals defeated MI Cape Town by 59 runs. Batting first after winning the toss, the Royals posted a strong total of 162/3 on the back of half-centuries from openers Jason Roy (69) and Jos Buttler (54). The pair got the team off to a great start, putting on a 116-run opening stand.

In response, MI Cape Town were bowled out for just 103 runs in 18.2 overs. All MI batsmen failed to get going as the Cape Town batsmen struggled against the Royals’ bowlers. Pace spearhead Bjorn Fortuin was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/15 in his 4 overs. Spinners Tabraiz Shamsi (2/11) also bowled tight lines to stifle the scoring.

Paarl Royal’s comprehensive victory takes them to the top of the SA20 table with 4 wins from 5 matches so far. The team looks to be gelling well under captain David Miller, who led the side in Jos Buttler’s absence in this game. With strong performances in both batting and bowling, the Royals have emerged as early favorites to take home the inaugural SA20 title.