Twitter Reactions: Miller, Buuren, Ngidi help Paarl Royals beat Pretoria Capitals in SA20 2024 encounter

In an action-packed encounter in the ongoing SA20 tournament, the Paarl Royals registered their second win, outplaying Pretoria Capitals by ten runs in the sixth match of the competition on Sunday, January 14. The match, held at SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion showcased intense competition between the two teams. 

The Capitals's stand-in skipper James Neesham won the toss and opted to field first. The decision backfired as the Royals posted a competitive total of 210/3 on the board, with standout performances from captain David Miller and Mitchell Van Buuren. Miller scored an unbeaten 75 off 42 deliveries while Buuren hit a gritty knock of 40-ball 72 not out. Wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler also contributed significantly, scoring a quick 39 off 23 balls, including five boundaries and a maximum. Meanwhile, for Capitals, Daryn Dupavillon, Neesham, and Adil Rashid bagged one wicket each.

In response, the Pretoria Capitals fought valiantly but fell short by 10 runs. The Capitals encountered a shaky start, losing key wickets, including opener Phil Salt and Theunis de Bruyn, within the first over. Despite the early setback, Will Jacks and Rilee Rossouw formed a resilient partnership, amassing over 100 runs for the third wicket. The Capitals' hopes were dashed as the pair departed in consecutive overs, followed by a loss of wickets at regular intervals.

Lungi Ngidi dismissed the prolific Rossouw, who notched up a brilliant 82 off 45 deliveries while Jacks contributed a noteworthy 58 off 34 balls before departing. Neesham made a quickfire 20 off nine deliveries but it proved insufficient for them to cross the line. In a tense final over where the Capitals needed 14 runs for victory, Obed McCoy's superb bowling sealed the match, conceding a mere three runs.

Ngidi delivered a commendable performance, taking crucial wickets at key intervals and applying pressure on the opposition. The right-arm fast-medium bowler finished with figures of 4/39 and went on to win the Player of the Match award. The Royals' bowling unit, featuring McCoy, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Imaad Fortuin, each contributed with a scalp, securing the Royals' second win against the Capitals in the ongoing SA20 2024 edition.

Here's how X reacted to Paarl Royals' victory over Pretoria Capitals: