In an enthralling showdown at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, the Paarl Royals asserted their dominance, securing a notable five-wicket triumph against the Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2024’s 17th match. Lungi Ngidi orchestrated a brilliant dismissal with a remarkable slower delivery that deceived none other than the opposing skipper, Faf du Plessis.
The Super Kings started steadily after losing the toss, with openers Reeza Hendricks and Du Plessis laying a solid foundation by accumulating 23 runs in the first five overs. Du Plessis, showing promise with 17 runs adorned with three boundaries, appeared ready to accelerate and set a substantial total. However, Ngidi had other plans.
In a crucial moment during the final over of the batting powerplay, Ngidi executed a cricketing masterpiece. He delivered a deceptive slower ball that elegantly pitched on the off stump and cunningly spun back. Du Plessis, committed to a forward defensive shot, found himself outwitted as the ball smoothly glided through the gate, crashing into the stumps with a resounding impact.
Despite the early setback of losing their captain, Hendricks displayed resilience, compiling a superb 79 runs off 56 balls. Leus du Plooy contributed a crucial 30 runs in the middle overs, while Moeen Ali’s unbeaten cameo of 23 runs off 12 balls propelled the Super Kings to a competitive 168/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Fabian Allen made significant contributions with the ball, each scalping one wicket for the Royals.
In their chase, the Royals exhibited admirable composure, successfully chasing down the target with six balls to spare. Wihan Lubbe, batting at No. 3, emerged as the standout performer with a dazzling innings of 57 runs off 48 balls, featuring three fours and an equal number of sixes. Dane Vilas provided crucial support, contributing 42 runs off 26 balls.