The win has moved JSK up to 19 points on the log, which is the same as the back-to-back defending champions, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape; however, remain in fourth place by virtue of a lower net run rate.

The Royals batted first at the Wanderers and scored 150/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Dinesh Karthik scoring 53 off 39 balls, while Rubin Hermann contributed 28. Lhuan-dré Pretorius, in turn, scored 19 off 11 balls.

Dinesh Karthik. Photo: Cricinfo

Lutho Sipamla was once again the pick of the JSK bowlers, taking 3/19, while Proteas all-rounder Donovan Ferreira claimed 3/24. The legendary former Proteas spinner, Imran Tahir, was also very tidy in his bowling, with figures of 1/19 in his four overs.

In reply, the former South African captain, Faf du Plessis, smashed 87 off 55 balls as JSK chased down the target in 17.5 overs. Du Plessis, who recently played in his 400th T20 match, struck four fours and seven sixes. The South African-born New Zealander, Devon Conway, scored 20, while the former Knight, Leus du Plooy, scored an unbeaten 18.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the pick of the Royals’ bowlers with 1/20 in 3.5 overs.

Following the win, Du Plessis said he was pleased with the team’s performance in what was a big game for them. On a personal level, he felt his batting came together for the first time this season. “We needed the win, and obviously it was a big game for us to stay in the competition – it was a really quality chase,” said Du Plessis.

“It was a tricky wicket, and I’m pleased with the all-round performance. The challenge for me this season has been finding the balance of putting pressure on the opposition in the powerplay while staying positive. I don’t think having a powerplay of just 25 or 30 runs is ideal.

“It’s about putting pressure on the opposition to ensure we get through the first six overs. I felt like I’ve been hitting the ball really well throughout the competition but just find ways to get out.

Imran Tahir. Photo: Cricinfo

“Tonight, it was about making sure I was really clear in picking the right bowlers and the right areas at the right time. I think I executed my game plan better tonight.”

While the Royals lost their second match, they still maintain a two-point lead over MI Cape Town at the top of the table, although the team from the Mother City has a game in hand.

On Friday afternoon, the Pretoria Capitals will face MI Cape Town at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The game is scheduled to start at 17:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg