SA20 Season 2: Joburg Super Kings See Off Paarl Royals To Set Up Qualifier 2 Clash With Durban's Super Giants

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Joburg Super Kings moved one step closer to the SA20 final following a 9-wicket win over Paarl Royals in the season 2 Eliminator at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday (February 7).

After Sam Cook (4 for 24) and Nandre Burger (3 for 26) helped bundle out Paarl Royals for 138 All Out in 18.5 overs, Leus Du Plooy (68 off 43) and skipper Faf Du Plessis (55* off 34 balls) powered Joburg Super Kings into the Qualifier 2 with 40 balls to spare.

Tabraiz Shamsi claimed the only wicket for Paarl Royals, while Reeza Hendricks contributed 5 runs after Du Plessis-Du Plooy opening stand of 105 from 63 balls. Du Plooy's knock included 7 fours and 2 sixes, while Du Plessis smashed 3 sixes and 3 fours.

With this result, Joburg Super Kings booked a Qualifier 2 meeting with Durban's Super Giants, who suffered a 51-run loss to Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the first qualifier on Tuesday (February 6) at Newlands in Cape Town.

The Qualifier 2 will also take place at the DP Wanderers in Johannesburg on Thursday (February 8) before the winner enters the final to face Sunrisers Eastern Cape on Saturday (February 10) at the Newlands in Cape Town.

Earlier, opting to bowl, JSK, who was forced into a change to their playing XI after Lizaad Williams - their leading wicket-taker - suffered a side strain, saw his replacement - English seamer Cook shine on his SA20 debut

Cook delivered a double-wicket over early on, claiming the big wicket of England white-ball captain Jos Buttler (10 off 8 balls), before tempting Mitchell van Buuren into an ill-judged hook that resulted in a fantastic running catch by Imran Tahir.

The 44-year-old veteran completed a superb two-handed catch diving back. Buoyed by Tahir's athleticism, the men in yellow soon had Royals 49-4 at the end of the Power Play, courtesy of Burger.

The left-arm Protea quick also bowlled a double-wicket over that saw Jason Roy (24 off 14 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Wihan Lubbe return to the change-room - leaving captain David Miller and Dane Vilas to attempt a rearguard effort.

The visiting skipper tried his best to keep his team afloat, but eventually departed for 47 in 40 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes - caught behind off the bowling of fired-up Tahir.

The lower-order could not withstand the JSK bowlers, with Cook claiming figures of 4-24, Burger backing up him up with 3-26 and spinners Tahir (2-33) and Moeen Ali (1-26) also chipping in.

The Joburg Super Kings run chase was never in any doubt. Du Plooy set the tone when he took the attack to Codi Yusuf in the seamer's first over - smashing 18 runs. Yusuf had retained his place in the team at the expense of Lungi Ngidi, Royals' leading wicket-taker this season.

Du Plooy and his captain Faf du Plessis dominated the Power Play as they raced to 63 without loss within the first six overs. Du Plooy was the aggressor and brought up his 50 off 29 balls, while Du Plessis played the anchor role.

The Super Kings opening pair ate a further chunk out of the run chase as they brought up their 100-run partnership in 62 balls. Unfortunately, Du Plooy fell shortly afterwards when he was beaten in the flight by Tabraiz Shamsi allowing Buttler to stump him.

However, there was no further luck for Royals Du Plessis (55 not out in 34 balls, with three fours and three sixes) and his erstwhile opening partner Reeza Hendricks (5 not out) saw their team home.

Joburg Super Kings captain Du Plessis said after the game: "Who does not like an underdog? We feel that things are slowly falling into place. From a batting perspective, we are doing well and allow the bowlers to do their thing.

"Confidence is such a big part of this game. We are excited and we know it is hard work going back to back to back. But the guys are hungry to put in the performances. Hopefully, we rock up fresh and do well tomorrow," said Du Plessis as quoted by an SA20 press release.

Meanwhile, Royals captain David Miller bemoaned the result of the game, but was full of praise for the campaign his side had in the SA20 season 2.

"Disappointing game. It was a great campaign though. This game has winners and losers. Not enough run. Key moments we did not pitch up, we controlled most of the games but 3-4 overs we let that slip," said Miller.

"In this game, a couple of overs can be key to swinging a game. Unfortunate but really enjoyed the campaign. This tournament is quick and fast, games come every second day. You have to forget the previous day and try to find a way to win. It is about one or two guys inspiring the others."