PR VS SEC MATCH 3

Right then, that is it from this exciting contest where Paarl Royals hand the defending champion, Sunrisers Eastern Cape their second defeat of the season. Now, we shift our focus to the Wanderers Stadium, where the Joburg Super Kings are taking on MI Cape Town, which begins shortly. You can just switch tabs to enjoy our build-up and all the action of that match. Cheers!

David Miller, the victorious skipper of Paarl Royals says that it was a great start with the ball but was a decent target in the end. Mentions that they need to talk about a few areas in the bowling. Adds that Lhuan-dre Pretorius is a serious talent. Further mentions that it is great to have someone like Joe Root in the setup and fill up a left-right combination for them. Says Root is a true ambassador of the game and looks to help the youngsters.

Aiden Markram, the captain of Sunrisers Eastern Cape says that they were good in patches but are disappointed with the defeat. Adds that when you come across a knock like that, you have to just take your hat off to it. Mentions that he is happy with his performance but would have liked to score a few more runs to get his team in a better position. Says that the standard of this competition is really high, but they have experienced this type of situation before and hope to bounce back in the next games.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stunning knock of 97 off 51. He says that he is glad that they could get over the line. Adds that batting with Joe Root gave him clarity. Mentions that he was able to find rhythm batting with Root at the other end. Calming him down after playing dot balls. Ends by saying that it is nice to get a good start and he is looking forward to contributing more to the team in the future.

Presentation Time...

Not much to write home about the bowling effort from Sunrisers Eastern Cape, as their bowlers struggled to make an impact in this game. Marco Jansen was the lone wicket-taker in what turned out to be a lackluster display. Adding to their woes, that drop from Ottneil Baartman proved to be very costly for them. Earlier, SEC managed to put up a competitive total, thanks to a 102-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs, highlighted by the skipper's brilliant 82 off 49 balls. For Paarl Royals, Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the standout bowler with his economical spell and two crucial wickets, while Kwena Maphaka also contributed with a couple of scalps. It was smooth sailing in the chase as they won the game by 9 wickets with 8 balls to spare.

Paarl Royals launched their chase in sensational style, getting off to a flying start. Joe Root held the innings steady at one end, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius unleashed an onslaught at the other. Given a reprieve early on, LDP made the most of it, taking on every bowler with ease. The opening pair put on a commanding 132 runs in just 13 overs before Lhuan-dre Pretorius fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for a brilliant 97. By then, the damage was already done. Root, as composed as ever, ensured the chase was completed with an unbeaten 62, supported by David Miller at the finish line.

PAARL ROYALS BEGIN THEIR CAMPAIGN WITH A COMMANDING VICTORY! They’ve aced this chase with a perfect blend of youthful flair from Lhuan-dre Pretorius and the seasoned class of Joe Root. This also marks the highest successful run-chase at Boland Park in SA20, leaving the home crowd buzzing with excitement!

There is the game! This is full and on off. Root walks ahead and works it wide of mid on for one. PAARL ROYALS WIN BY 9 WICKETS!

SCORES LEVEL! On the pads. This is clipped last square leg for one.

FOUR! Just the two needed! A poor misfield! Sums up their day in the field. Fuller and on off. This is driven to mid off. The fielder misfields and it races away to the fence.

Just the 6 needed! On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Fuller and on the pads. Miller looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Another short one! On the body. This is pulled down to fine leg for one more.

On middle. This is hit down to long on for one.

On middle. Fuller. This is flicked through mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Cut away! On the shorter side. Root stays back and cuts it past point. This one goes to the fence. This is ending in a canter.

Fuller and on off. This is driven through covers for one.