The SuperSport Park wicket is spin-friendly. Off-break bowlers are the most economical at the ground while leggies boast the best bowling average.
While plenty can change from season to season it is worth noting that the Royals have won their last two games against the Pretoria Capitals.
Pretoria Capitals
It hasn’t been an easy tournament for the Capitals thus far with two of their games rained out. Despite that, they are still third on the table with nine points from four games.
Will Jacks to continue fine form with the bat
Thursday’s no result due to rain possibly favoured the Pretoria side as they posted a modest score of 138 for eight. But fortune can be fickle, at the midway point against neighbours they looked to be on the back foot, but in their opener against DSG they contrived to lose despite an opening stand of 154 runs.
Capitals’ opener Will Jacks is currently the tournament third third-highest scorer with 106 runs from three innings. His opening partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz is just 10 runs further back in seventh place, despite going for a duck at the Wanderers on Thursday.
Senuran Muthusamy topping wicket-taking table
In a tournament full of big-name Protea stars and international icons, Senuran Muthusamy has quietly gone about his business of taking wickets. He is currently level with Delano Potgieter at the top of the wicket-takers table with five scalps and a best return of 3 for 21.
The Capitals suffered a big blow during the week with the news that their key strike bowler Anrich Nortje would not be able to play SA20 2025. He has been diagnosed with a back injury and will also miss the ICC Champions Trophy. The Capitals have yet to name his replacement.
Paarl Royals
The Royals boast a good blend of youth and experience. They should also be brimming with confidence after a series of good recent results. They head into Saturday’s game having won two of their last three matches.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius announcing himself to the world stage in blistering fashion
He came into the tournament as a virtual unknown, but on the back of stellar performances against SEC and MI Cape Town, suddenly Lhuan-dre Pretorius is the name on everyone’s lips. Currently, the tournament’s leading scorer with 206 runs at an average of 68.67, Pretorius has been a dominant force at the top of the order. He was dropped twice before he had even scored a run in Wednesday’s game against MICT, but he made his good fortune pay as he went on to slam a brisk 83 runs from 52 balls.
Star-studded Paarl Royals to continue edge over Capitals
Pretorius has looked completely unruffled at the top of the order for Paarl. Perhaps it’s the calming presence of Joe Root batting alongside him, or perhaps he is just a man for the big occasion. Either way, keep an eye out for him at SuperSport Park – he’s got a real presence and confidence at the crease.
Joe Root, Dinesh Karthik and David Miller are three of the most experienced internationals around while in Kwena Mphaka and Pretorius the Paarl Royals feature two players who will surely be Proteas stalwarts for the next decade.
Verdict: Paarl Royals
The Capitals may be ahead of the Royals on the table, but they have looked fragile and unpredictable.
The Royals on the other hand look solid and confident with their younger stars stepping up and performing while their senior stars act as perfect foils.