David Miller and Nqobani Mokoena powers Paarl Royals to thrilling win over Sunrisers in SA20 season 4

Paarl Royals captain David Miller impactful knock spoiled Sunrisers Eastern Cape's celebrations, putting on a stellar performance to secure his team's first win of SA20 Season 4.

New Delhi: In a thrilling clash at St George’s Park, Paarl Royals captain David Miller spoiled Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s celebrations, putting on a stellar performance to secure his team’s first win of SA20 Season 4.

Miller scored an unbeaten 71 off just 38 balls, steering the Royals to successfully chase the Sunrisers total of 149 all out, with five wickets in hand and two balls to spare.

Marco Jansen claimed his 50th wicket in SA20 history

The Royals got off to a disappointing start as Sunrisers pacers Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje dismantled their top order, with Jansen claiming his 50th wicket in SA20 history. The early blows left the Royals reeling at 35/4, as Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Asa Tribe, Rubin Hermann, and Kyle Verreynne were all sent back to the pavilion.

Royals skipper Miller took charge, and steadied the innings. He stitched a crucial partnership with rising star Keagan Lion-Cachet, who scored a solid 45 off 40 balls. The duo put on a 114-run partnership for the fifth wicket, putting the Royals in the driver seat, although Lion-Cachet fell just short of finishing the chase.

The St George’s Park crowd, hoping for a last-minute miracle or a Super Over thriller, saw their hopes crushed when a crucial wide from Lewis Gregory sealed the Royals win.

Nqobani Mokoena recorded career-best figures

Earlier, the Royals showcased another young talent as Nqobani Mokoena delivered a brilliant performance in just his second SA20 match. The 19-year-old pacer recorded career-best figures of 4/34, which included the prized wicket of Quinton de Kock in the Powerplay.

Jonny Bairstow (33) and Jordan Hermann (47) tried to stabilize the Sunrisers innings, but Mokoena continued to strike, supported by Ottneil Baartman, who made a strong return to familiar territory with figures of 3/36.

Despite the loss, the Sunrisers remain atop the SA20 table with 10 points, while the Royals have climbed off the bottom of the standings with their win at St George’s Park.