JSK seal playoffs spot with bonus-point win over PR

Joburg Super Kings booked their place in the SA20 playoffs with a crucial 45-run bonus-point win over Paarl Royals in the final league match at Boland Park. The result not only sealed fourth place for Super Kings but also knocked out Durban's Super Giants.

The result sets up a playoff rematch between these two sides in the Eliminator. Sunrisers Eastern Cape topped the table and will meet Pretoria Capitals in Qualifier 1.

Opting to bat on a slow surface, Super Kings recovered well from a steady start to post 166 for 5. The innings, which failed to gain any momentum against the slew of slow bowling, was transformed late by Leus du Plooy, who struck an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, featuring 5 fours and 3 sixes. As many as 34 runs came from the final two overs, swinging the momentum firmly in the visitors' favour.

Earlier, Neil Timmers and Michael Pepper helped Super Kings rebuild after the early loss of captain James Vince for a duck. Timmers made 39 while Pepper added 27, but the innings lacked urgency through the middle overs. That changed when du Plooy took on Waqar Salamkheil in the 19th over, hitting two sixes and a boundary. Dian Forrester then finished the over with another six to give the total a decisive lift.

Paarl Royals began their chase steadily but with captain David Miller unavailable due to injury, the pressure grew as wickets fell regularly through the middle overs. Prenelan Subrayen and Imran Tahir made full use of the conditions, combining to take five wickets for just 31 runs.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius showed intent at the top with 32, while Dan Lawrence tried to keep the chase alive with a brisk 45 off 29. However, Tahir removed key batters at important moments and Subrayen kept things tight from the other end. Royals lost seven wickets for 41 runs and were eventually bowled out for 122.

Brief scores: Joburg Super Kings 166/5 (Leus du Plooy 54*, Neil Timmers 37) beat Paarl Royals 122 all out (Dan Lawrence 45; Prenelan Subrayen 3-14, Imran Tahir 2-17) by 45 runs