Nestled in the scenic views of the Paarl Rocks, Boland Park is the next destination in our away games itinerary. Deriving positivity and confidence from our dominating win over Durban’s Super Giants, we fly to Paarl with the intent to strengthen our hold at the top of the SA20 table.
“We enjoy each other’s company off the field as well, which is important to get the team buzzing and build the atmosphere as well.”
Adil Rashid quite aptly summarised the mood in our camp after the favourable outcome at Durban. With the high-impact performances across all departments, it shows that our Pitori boys are in the best of spirits with each other both on the field, as well as off the field.
Further proof why some of our best bowlers are not just quick with their deliveries, but with their wits as well!
These cherished moments of fun and bonding have reflected extremely well in our first five matches with the team stepping up in crucial situations and operating well in tandem. We look forward to replicating the same #RoarSaamMore spirit at Boland Park when we go up against the Royals.
The Royals Aim to Escape the Mid-Table:
After their loss to MI Cape Town at home, Paarl Royals have 9 points from their 6 games leaving them fifth in the table. With both Jo’burg Super Kings and Durban’s Super Giants breathing down their necks with 8 points each.
Meanwhile, we are the only team to attain bonus points in two successive games. Moreover, we are also the only team to gain the extra point on away soil. With 18 points from our 5 matches, we sit at the top of the table.
The Royals will be playing for pride at Boland Park and are expected to play all guns blazing against us. Thus, we will stride into the match looking to build on our ongoing form and grab maximum points.
Battle of Bowlers:
Anrich Nortje has been the main stay of our bowling attack scalping 10 wickets in 5 matches. He has provided important breakthroughs, seldom leaving scope for the opposition batters to build their innings.
The seamer would be competing against Bjorn Fortuin who has emerged as the trump card for the Royals. Fortuin has been in exemplary form in the SA20, bagging 11 wickets in 6 matches. With both these bowlers in action, the race for the top-wicket taker in the league will become an interesting watch.
Moreover, both teams boast skilled bowlers who can swing the game at any given moment. Our wildcard Senuran Muthuswamy, for instance, proved to be lethal against the Super Giants in our last match.
Similarly, Eathan Bosch has been a consistent wicket-taker for us with the ability to rattle batters with his pace. Along with Adil Rashid and Captain Wayne Parnell in our arsenal, we hope to capitalise on the Boland Park wicket and continue our winning streak.
Clash of the English Openers:
The batting line-ups of both teams are spearheaded by Englishmen who have posed to be a threat to the opposition’s bowling attacks. The Royals will be banking their hopes on Jos Buttler who has demonstrated his class time and again, both in international as well as league cricket.
With 197 runs in 6 matches, Jos is the second-highest run scorer in the league, only behind Will Jacks. On the contrary, his partner Jason Roy has not been at his best with the bat, thus leaving an opportunity for our bowling force to exploit in the early stages of the game.
In comparison, both Will Jacks and Phil Salt have proven to be pivotal in setting up our batting innings. Our opening pair have established themselves as a formidable force to reckon with, be it at setting targets or chasing them. Collectively, the two of them have scored 363 runs, that too at an astonishing strike rate.
It will be an enthralling watch to see who comes out on top to lead their team to glory.
Where to Watch:
Paarl Royals vs Pretoria Capitals | Jan 22, 1:30 PM SAST | Boland Park, Paarl
