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The stage is set for a high-stakes rematch at SuperSport Park as the Paarl Royals face the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 2025-26 Eliminator. Just three days ago, these two sides met in their final league fixture, where JSK secured a dominant 44-run victory to leapfrog into the playoffs. Now, the stakes are simple: win or go home.
The Royals started the season strongly but have limped into the playoffs with consecutive defeats. Their biggest concern remains the fitness of captain David Miller, who missed the last game due to injury. In his absence, the middle order looked fragile against spin. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the youngster has been a find this season, providing quick starts. If he and Dan Lawrence can exploit the powerplay at the bouncy Centurion track, the Royals can set a massive target. Ottneil Baartman has been their spearhead with 17 wickets. On a Centurion pitch that favours pace and bounce, his death bowling will be critical.
JSK are riding a massive wave of confidence. Despite losing key captains Faf du Plessis and Donovan Ferreira to injuries, they have found new heroes. James Vince now leads a side that has mastered the must-win scenario. Leus du Plooy’s match-winning 54* off 27 balls in the last game proved he is the man for the big occasion. The veteran Imran Tahir and Prenelan Subrayen were lethal in the last match, but at Centurion, the focus will shift to Nandre Burger and Daniel Worrall to use the extra zip off the surface.
PR vs JSK, SA20 2026 Eliminator: Match details
- Date and Time: January 22; 9:00 pm IST / 03:30 am GMT / 5:30 pm Local
- Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion
PR vs JSK Head-to-Head Record in SA20
Matches played: 09 | Paarl Royals won: 04| Joburg Super Kings won: 03 | No result/Tied: 02
SuperSport Park Pitch Report
The pitch at SuperSport Park in Centurion is widely regarded as one of the fastest and bounciest surfaces in South Africa. For this Eliminator, pacers can expect significant carry and seam movement early on, particularly under the overcast skies forecasted for the evening. However, the ground’s high altitude and lightning-fast outfield make it a batter’s paradise once the initial shine of the ball wears off. Spinners typically find limited assistance here and must rely on strict discipline to contain scoring. With an average first-innings score of around 180, a high-scoring thriller is on the cards.
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Squads
Paarl Royals: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Asa Tribe, Dan Lawrence, Rubin Hermann, David Miller (c), Delano Potgieter, Sikandar Raza, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqobani Mokoena, Waqar Salamkheil, Ottneil Baartman, Kyle Verreynne, Hardus Viljoen, Okuhle Cele, Nqabayomzi Peter, Vishen Halambage, Thomas Rew, Keagan Lion Cachet
Joburg Super Kings: Neil Timmers (wk), James Vince (c), Michael-Kyle Pepper, Matthew de Villiers, Leus du Plooy, Wiaan Mulder, Dian Forrester, Akeal Hosein, Nandre Burger, Prenelan Subrayen, Imran Tahir, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Duan Jansen, Daniel Worrall, Richard Gleeson, Shubham Ranjane, Reece Topley, Steve Stolk, Janco Smit, Jarren Bacher
PR vs JSK, SA20 2026 Eliminator: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Paarl Royals wins the toss and bats first
- Paarl Royals’ powerplay score: 50-60
- Paarl Royals’ total score: 180-190
Case 2:
- Joburg Super Kings wins the toss and bats first
- Joburg Super Kings’ powerplay score: 60-70
- Joburg Super Kings’ total score: 190-200
Match result: Team batting first to win the contest.
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