In a thrilling encounter at SuperSport Park, Centurionps88, Paarl Royals defeated the Pretoria Capitals by 8 wickets in match 12 of SA20 2025on Saturday, January 18. The win also marked the highest successful run chase in the tournament's history. (Match Highlights | More Cricket News)

Batting first, Pretoria Capitals' top-order was led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz (42), Will Smeed (54), wicketkeeper batter Kyle Verreynne (45), and James Neesham (28), setting a daunting total of 212/5 in 20 overs.

However, the Paarl Royals were in no mood to let this challenge deter them. A fiery start saw Lhuan-dre Pretorius dismissed on the very first ball by Will Jacks.

Joe Root played a batting masterclass, guiding Paarl Royals to script history, with an unbeaten 92 off 60 balls, including 11 boundaries and 2 sixes.

Root's exceptional knock, alongside Rubin Hermann's 56 off 33, formed a crucial 125-run partnership that shifted the momentum in Paarl's favor.

David Miller (48 off 28 balls) providing solid support in the final stages, as the Royals reached the target in 19.4 overs finishing at 213/2, securing an 8-wicket victory over Pretoria Capitals.

The team led by Ammad Butt, finally secured their first victory with a 2-1 win over Japan and then delivered a decisive 5-1 win against China, to enter the semi-finals. Their final pool match ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to India.

Now, the top four teams have entered the semifinals and the last two teams will have to fight for the fifth spot on the table. India have won all of their five matches. Pakistan are second with two wins and two draws.

With this victory, the Paarl Royals moved to second place in the SA20 2025 standings, accumulating 12 points from four matches. They are set to face the Joburg Super Kings on January 20.

Meanwhile, the Pretoria Capitals, now in fourth place with 9 points from four gamesps88, will look to bounce back when they take on the Sunrisers Eastern Cape on January 22.

• SA20
• 2025
• ps88
• Paarl
• Royals