The ‘struggling’ Paarl Royals will take on the table toppers, MI Cape Town in the ninth game of the ongoing SA20 2025. Paarl’s Boland Park will host this game on January 15, at 9:00 PM (IST). It will be a crucial game for both teams to improve their numbers and respective spots in the tournament’s points table.
Paarl Royals are coming off a 33-run defeat in their previous clash against MI Cape Town. Now, David Miller’s men will aim to clear off the books with MICT with a win in this game. Besides that, a win in this game will also help the Royals to move a spot up in the tournament standings, surpassing Joburg Super Kings.
Here is the predicted Paarl Royals’ Playing XI in their upcoming SA20 clash vs MI Cape Town:
Openers:
The opening pair of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and the veteran batter Joe Root came up with a blistering first-wicket stand of 38 runs in just 3.1 overs in the last game. Pretorius smashed 26 runs off just 12 balls, with 4 fours and a six. On the other hand, Joe Root also scored 26 runs off just 14 balls, with three fours and a six.
The Royals will look ahead to go with the same opening pair in the repeat clash against MI Cape Town in the tournament’s current edition.
Middle-Order:
Paarl Royals are expected to go ahead with their same middle-order batting lineup in the next match. However, the experienced middle order including the likes of skipper David Miller and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik failed to leave any impact with the bat in the last game but still, the management might bank on the same order in the next game.
Miller and Karthik will be accompanied by Sam Hain and Mitchell Van Buuren at number three and number four, respectively. So, this quartet will be eyeing a stronger comeback against MICT in the next game.
All-Rounder
Bowling all-rounder Dayyan Galiem could be an important asset for his side in the must-win clash against MICT. He also proved his worth with the ball in the previous game; Galiem scalped 3 wickets at just 24 runs in his four-over stint.
He is also able to score some crucial runs for the Royals while batting lower down the order. So, the management might count on him as an all-rounder in their final eleven.
Bowlers
The bowling attack of the Royals will include a mix of young guns, alongside an experienced name in Lungi Ngidi. The veteran pacer Ngidi will be accompanied by young pacer Kwena Maphaka in the pace department.
Besides two specialist pacers, the Royals’ bowling attack will also include the left-arm orthodox bowler Bjorn Fortuin, alongside off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.