The Joburg Super Kings made an explosive start in pursuit of the 139-run target in the crucial eliminator match against the Paarl Royals at the Wanderers. While the Royals struggled with their batting in the first innings, Nandre Burger and Imran Tahir shone with their bowling for the Super Kings.
Within three overs, the Super Kings amassed 31 runs, with openers Faf Du Plessis and Leus du Plooy smashing the ball over the boundary off Codi Yusuf and Obed McCoy’s deliveries. Meanwhile, the Royals were eager for their first breakthrough to end the JSK opening partnership. However, sometimes intense desire can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
In the fifth ball of the fourth over, delivered by Bjorn Fortuin, Du Plessis flicked the ball towards mid-wicket, where Phehlukwayo fielded. He quickly retrieved the ball and threw it towards the non-striker’s end.
Unfortunately, there was no fielder backing up Phehlukwayo’s throw at long off and deep extra cover, resulting in four runs conceded while the batsmen had already completed a single despite the throw missing the stumps. Royals skipper David Miller expressed his disappointment with a shake of his head, while other Royals fielders appeared disheartened.
— Jas Pope (@jas_pope93438) February 7, 2024
The Twitterverse expressed frustration with the Royals’ desperate attempts to break the JSK opening partnership.