David Miller eclipsed Jonny Bairstow’s strike to give Paarl Royals a thrilling win over Joburg Super Kings

Paarl Royals secured a thrilling six-wicket victory over Joburg Super Kings in match 15 of the 2025 SA20 at Boland Park. Despite Jonny Bairstow’s brave half-century for the Super Kings, Miller’s composed batting led the Royals to a comfortable victory with five balls to spare.

Jonny Bairstow guides Paarl Royals to a competitive total

After being sent in to bat, the Super Kings struggled to find any momentum early in their innings. Devon Conway (7) and Faf du Plessis (18) fell cheaply, while Leus du Plooy managed just 6 runs. Jonny Bairstow he anchored the innings with a brilliant 60 off 40 balls, including two fours and three sixes, displaying his signature aggressive strokeplay.

Bairstow found support from Donovan Ferreira, who contributed a brisk 32* off 19 balls, including one four and two sixes. However, the rest of the line-up failed to capitalize, with Moeen Ali (1) and Sibonelo Makhanya (17) struggling to accelerate.

Royal bowlers kept things tight and Bjorn Fortuin was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for just 22 runs in his four overs. Joe Root chipped in with 1 for 16 in his economical spell, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Dayyaan Galiem also claimed a wicket each.

David Miller leads Paarl Royals to victory

Chasing a modest target of 147 balls, Royals got off to a roaring start as Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed 27 off just 14 balls, including 4 fours and a six. However, quick wickets from Hardus Viljoen and Imran Tahir brought them back, leaving them at 68/3.

Mitchell Van Buuren played a steadying knock, scoring 44 off 45 balls, but it was David Miller who stole the show. The southpaw showed his trademark composure under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 40 off 32 balls with three fours and a six. Miller’s calculated aggression and smart strike rotation ensured the Royals stayed ahead of the required run rate. Home team reached the goal in 19.1 overswith 6 wickets in hand.

Tahir batted well for the Super Kings, picking up 1 for 22 in his four overs, while Viljoen took 2 for 23. However, a lack of support from the other bowlers allowed the Royals to cruise to victory with ease.

ALSO READ: DSG vs MICT, SA20 2025 – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Cricket Tips & Pitch Report | Durban Super Giants vs MI Cape Town

Paarl Royals scores 3 on the rebound ✅ #BetwaySA20 #PRvJSK #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/DRcg63ycxq

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 20, 2025

Key performances:

• Jonny Bairstow (Joburg Super Kings): 60 runs off 40 balls (2 fours, 3 sixes)
• David Miller (Paarl Royals): 40 runs off 32 balls (3 fours, 1 six)
• Bjorn Fortuin (Paarl Royals): 4 overs, 2 wickets for 22 runs
• Hardus Viljoen (Joburg Super Kings): 4 overs, 2 wickets for 23 runs

SEE ALSO: Liam Dawson grabs a one-handed stunner to dismiss JJ Smuts in SA20 2025.