It was a win for the spinners on Monday night in the SA20, as Imran Tahir, Prenelan Subrayen, and Akeal Hosein bowled the Joburg Super Kings (JSK) to victory in the final round-robin match of the tournament.
The trio took six wickets altogether to help JSK beat the much-fancied Paarl Royals by 44 runs at Boland Park, a result that sealed progression for the Joburg-based side to the play-off stage. Subrayen (3/14), Tahir (2/17), and Hosein (1/31) took advantage of a spin-friendly wicket, dominating proceedings in what was a must-win fixture.
The JSK bowlers dismantled the Royals for 122 in 18.1 overs, with captain David Miller unable to bat due to a concerning groin injury.
The victory secured JSK a spot in the Eliminator, where they will face the same Royals outfit at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday. The first Qualifier on Wednesday, meanwhile, will be contested by Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals.
Paarl Royals batter Dan Lawrence looked threatening during his 29-ball 45 until Hosein bowled him in the 17th over, effectively ending the hosts’ chances.
Earlier, JSK put together a competitive 166/5, despite the absence of injured stars Faf du Plessis and Donovan Ferreira. In their absence, Leus du Plooy rose to the occasion, anchoring the innings with a blistering unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls. Playing in his first match of the season, Du Plooy smashed five fours and three sixes to stake his claim for a permanent spot in the XI.
Wicketkeeper-batter Neil Timmers was handy with the bat too, scoring 39, while Michael Pepper (27) and Matthew de Villiers (27) provided useful contributions. Wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil (2/42) was the pick of the bowlers for the Royals, while Bjorn Fortuin (1/17), Sikandar Raza (1/27), and Nqobani Mokoena (1/28) each picked up a wicket.
Scoreboard
Joburg Super Kings: 166/5
Leus du Plooy 54 not out; Waqar Salamkheil 2/42
Paarl Royals: 122/9
Dan Lawrence 45; Prenelan Subrayen 3/14
Jobrug Super Kings won by 44 runs
