Paarl Royals edge MI Cape Town in thrilling SA20 victory

The Royals claimed their second win from four matches, while MI Cape Town remain winless at the bottom.

Sent in to bat, Paarl got off to a flying start with teenagers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Asa Tribe putting on 100 for the first wicket. Tribe fell for 51 off 34 balls, but Pretorius carried his bat for a career-best 98 not out from 65 deliveries, striking 10 fours and two sixes to guide Paarl to 181 for 3, their highest total at the venue.

MI Cape Town's reply began strongly, with Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen putting on 77 for the first wicket. At 109 for 1 after 12 overs, victory seemed likely, but Ottneil Baartman and Sikandar Raza sparked a dramatic collapse, MI losing five wickets for nine runs. Jason Smith also fell cheaply under scrutiny as a surprise T20 World Cup selection.

A late stand between George Linde and Rashid Khan brought MI close, needing 15 off the final over. Baartman struck to dismiss Kagiso Rabada, finishing with 4 for 51 and claiming his 50th SA20 wicket. MI ended on 180 for 8, just short, handing Paarl a thrilling win.

Paarl's victory was built on more than Pretorius' innings. Their bowlers executed plans with precision on a slow pitch, cutting off boundaries and forcing risky shots. Baartman's four-wicket haul, supported by Sikandar Raza's smart field placements, highlighted a well-rounded team effort that turned the game in the final overs.

The two sides meet again on Sunday at Newlands, promising another high-stakes encounter. For Paarl, the win signals a return to form and confidence for their young stars, while MI Cape Town will need to regroup quickly to avoid sliding further down the standings.