Paarl Royals v Joburg Super Kings – Preview

When Paarl Royals clash with Joburg Super Kings on Wednesday 17 January at Boland Park, both teams will have different intentions. Royals will be hoping to stretch the 100 percent record to three matches as Super Kings will want to record the first victory of the season. So, without a doubt, the fans either at the stadium or watching from all corners of the world can expect a pulsating match.

Royals managed to secure a semi-final berth in the first edition of the SA20 competition last season. Far from being impressive, they were beaten by the Pretoria Capitals. But things have been coming all together for them this season. Having to start facing the Capitals twice in a space of three days, the Royals dominated the clash winning home and away. That sent a strong message on how they have improved in the current season. Royals are one of the two sides including the Durban Super Giants with a 100 percent record this season. Now welcoming Super Giants will be a very tricky game as have intentions of getting the first win.

One would ask, how crucial is the resting factor that will decide the match? The last time Royals were in action was Sunday, while the Super Giants’s last match came on Monday. For the Royals, the dangerman David Miller has performed at his best so far. In the last match where they posted a 210 scoreline in Centurion in Pretoria, Miller contributed with 75 runs and was assisted by Mitchell Van Buuren who scored 72. Then when it comes to defending the total, Lungi Ngidi delivered when it matters taking four wickets on the day to inspire his side to a dominant win.

Even in the first match, Miller had the highest score of 41 runs in which his side posted 160. Then Andile Phehlukwayo did the damage with the ball taking two wickets on the day. He also had a cameo of 28 runs to take his side to a respected total. The only positive to take from the Royals is the way to either bowl or bat as a unit. Each player in the starting line-up understands the task on hand.

Meanwhile, Super Kings has been awful this season. From finishing as the second second-best team in the league standings to occupying a second-last position so far. Their journey is taking a downfall instead of elevating to another level. Two losses and one no-result match are not the scripts fans were waiting to read from them after three matches. It is a team lacking patience too. For instead, a match against Durban Super Giants on Monday was theirs to lose. Lizaad Williams bowled with his life taking four wickets to restrict the Super Giants to a partly 145 scoreline.

Given the batting line-up, Super Kings have, it was supposed to be a walk over the park. Then a combination of crazy shots and poor execution meant they ended up on the losing end. Even Captain Faf Du Plessis addressed the concerns on how they are failing to convert with the board. But he promised that they are going to be better going forward. They better be if they are hoping to secure a semi-final spot. They are already behind and have to dig deep to come close to achieving that. So, this match will serve as the turning point as they don’t want to leave it late.

What To Expect

Very hot weather conditions throughout the day. So, expect the pitch to be a little bit dry. Favorable for a team to bat first.

Prediction

Best Bet: Royals to win at 1.58

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