In the SA20 Eliminator, scheduled to be held at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Thursday, Paarl Royals and Joburg Super Kings will be facing each other. The Paarl Royals’ campaign has been all about recovery and missed opportunity. After suffering a crushing 137-run defeat in their opening match, they responded impressively, finding consistency at the right time to maintain a strong position in the tournament.
For a long stretch, they looked well placed to finish in the top two and secure a berth in Qualifier 1. However, three losses in their final five matches have put them into the Eliminator. Heading into this game, Royals are sweating over the fitness of captain David Miller, who was unable to take part in the chase in their final league match against Super Kings due to a lower-limb injury. Uncertainty is looming large over his availability for this high-stakes game.
On the other hand, Joburg Super Kings’ path to the playoffs has not been smooth either. They began the season in commanding fashion, clinching victories in their first three games. Meanwhile, as the tournament progressed, Super Kings' performance also faded, placing them in a must-win final league game against Paarl Royals to secure a playoff spot. Meanwhile, they won that game to march into the Eliminator. Moreover, Super Kings are also dealing with a key injury concern. Stand-in captain Donovan Ferreira is struggling with a shoulder problem and is highly unlikely to take part in the match.
Head-to-head
Matches - 9
Paarl Royals won - 4
Joburg Super Kings won - 3
No result - 2
Paarl Royals likely XI: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Asa Tribe, Rubin Hermann, Dan Lawrence, David Miller (c), Delano Potgieter, Sikandar Raza, Nqobani Mokoena, Bjorn Fortuin, Waqar Salamkheil, Ottneil Baartman
Joburg Super Kings likely XI: James Vince (c), Matthew De Villiers, Leus du Plooy, Wiaan Mulder, Dian Forrester, Neil Timmers (wk), Michael-Kyle Pepper, Akeal Hosein, Nandre Burger, Prenelan Subrayen, Imran Tahir