SA20 2025 [WATCH]: Paarl Royals’ Joe Root records his second straight golden duck against Durban Super Giants

Paarl Royals batter Joe Root experienced an unusual string of early dismissals in the SA20 2025 League. On January 23, during a match against the Durban Super Giants, Root was dismissed for his first golden duck in the tournament, falling to fellow England player Chris Woakes in the very first ball of his innings. The struggle continued in the rematch on January 27, where Root was once again dismissed in the opening over, this time by off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen. These back-to-back early ex✅its are uncharacteristic for Root, known for his consistency and composure at the crease.

Joe Root falls to Prenelan Subrayen: Back-to-back golden ducks

Root’s tough luck in SA20 continued as he suffered his second consecutive golden duck against the Durban. Facing off-spinner Subrayen in the very first over of the rematch, Root was trapped lbw by a sharply spinning delivery. The ball was flighted full on off-stump, enticing Root to attempt a slog-sweep. However, the significant turn back into him beat his bat, and he was struck on the back leg.

The on-field umpire initially ruled it not out, but Durban immediately reviewed the decision. Ultra Edge confirmed there was no bat involved, and ball-tracking revealed the delivery was crashing into the leg stump. The decision was overturned, sending Root back to the pavilion for a golden duck. Subrayen’s clever use of flight and spin exploited Root’s early vulnerability, putting Royals under immediate pressure at 0/1.

Here’s the video:

Prenelan Subrayen gets the dangerous Joe Root with the 🌸first delivery of the innings 🏏

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League)

Also WATCH: Heinrich Klaasen takes a🍒n incredible flying catch to dismiss Joe Root for a golden duck | SA20 2025

Paarl Royals triumph over Durban’s Super Giants in a nail-biting contest

The Royals registered a thrilling six-wicket victory over Durban in Match 23 of SA20 2025 at Boland Park, Paarl. Chasing 144, the Royals reached the target with one ball to spare, thanks to Rubin Hermann‘s exceptional 59 off 51 balls. Hermann anchored the chase after an early setback when Root was dismissed for a golden duck. Lhuan-dre Pretorius provided solid support with a brisk 43 off 29 balls, forging a crucial 91-run stand with Hermann. Dinesh Karthik‘s quickfire 21 from 15 balls helped keep the required run rate in check, while Dayyaan Galiem’s unbeaten 8 off 6 balls sealed the win.

Earlier, the Durban struggled to build momentum, managing only 143/7 in their 20 overs. Marcus Stoinis was the standout performer with an unbeaten 55 off 40 balls, showcasing his power-hitting with five fours and two sixes. Kane Williamson contributed 45 off 36 deliveries but failed to accelerate in the middle overs. Bjorn Fortuin and Kwena Maphaka led the Royals’ bowling attack, claiming two wickets each and maintaining disciplined economies. Despite Stoinis’ late flourish, the Super Giants fell short of a competitive total, hampered by early dismissals of Quinton de Kock and Brandon King.

Also WATCH: D🀅onovan Ferreira takes ‘catch of the season’ to dismiss Beyers Swanepoel in ✅SA20 2025