The Joburg Super Kings have kept their chances alive of playing in the final of the SA20 by thumping the Paarl Royals by 9 wickets in the Eliminator at the Wanderers.

The Super Kings who have been struggling with consistency throughout the SA20 are seemingly peaking at exactly the right time and they will be confident heading into the Qualifier 2 game on Thursday.

The Royals had a bat first at the Bullring and were bowled out for 138-runs in 18.5 overs with the captain David Miller scoring 47, while Sam Cook took 4/24. The Protea, Nandré Burger, also played his part by taking 3/26 in 4 overs with the ball, while the ever-green former world number one bowler, Imran Tahir took 2/33.

The former Knights batter Leus du Plooy scored 68 off 43, and Faf du Plessis was unbeaten on 55 of 34 as JSK chased down the target in 13.5 overs.

Du Plessis said things are starting to fall into place for them and they back themselves in their quest to clinch a spot in the final against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

“Who doesn't like an underdog?,” said the former Proteas captain.

“We feel that things are slowly falling into place for us. From a batting perspective we are doing well and allow the bowlers to do their thing. Confidence is such a big part of this game.

“We are excited and we know it's hard work going back-to-back-to-back. But the guys are hungry to put in the performances. Hopefully we rock up fresh and do well on Thursday.”

JSK will face the Durban Super Giants on Thursday at the Wanderers in the Qualifier 2 game and the winner goes to the final on Sunday in Cape Town.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport