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Sikandar Raza's Last-Ball Six Seals Dramatic SA20 Victory for Paarl Royals

Sikandar Raza hit a six off the final delivery to clinch a dramatic six-wicket victory for the Paarl Royals against the Durban Super Giants. The Royals successfully chased down a target of 187, the highest run chase recorded at Boland Park, thanks to key half-centuries from Rubin Hermann and Dan Lawrence. For the Super Giants, captain Aiden Markram top-scored with 66, while Liam Livingstone and Heinrich Klaasen provided a late onslaught. The win moves the Royals up to second place in the SA20 standings, while the Super Giants remain in fifth.

Key Points: Raza's Final-Ball Six Wins SA20 Thriller for Paarl Royals

  • Last-ball six seals victory
  • Highest run chase at Boland Park
  • Hermann & Lawrence hit vital fifties
  • Markram's 66 leads DSG charge
  • Royals move to second place
2 min read

SA20: Sikandar Raza seals dramatic last-ball victory for Paarl Royals against Durban Super Giants

Sikandar Raza hits a six off the last ball to secure a six-wicket win for Paarl Royals against Durban Super Giants in a dramatic SA20 chase.

"Raza held his nerve in this SA20 clutch moment to send the Royals fans into a state of delirium. - SA20 Report"

Paarl, January 14

Sikandar Raza climbed deeper into the hearts of the Paarl Royals faithful when the Zimbabwean international struck a six off the final ball to clinch a six-wicket victory against Durban Super Giants at Boland Park on Tuesday evening.

Royals required six runs off David Wiese's final over, and the equation was reduced to two runs off the last delivery, when Raza held his nerve in this SA20 clutch moment to send the Royals fans into a state of delirium.

It also saw the Royals close out the highest run chase at Boland Park after Durban's Super Giants posted an imposing 186/5, according to the SA20 website.

Raza finished on 27 not out (13 balls, 2x4, 2x6), but Royals had plenty of heroes on this dramatic night with Rubin Hermann (65 not out, 45 balls, 3x4, 3x6) and Dan Lawrence (63 off 41 balls, 2x4, 4x6) striking vital half-centuries to keep the chase afloat.

The third-wicket partnership between Hermann and Lawrence was pivotal, with the pair adding 106 runs off only 61 balls.

Lawrence was particularly severe on DSG's spinners, smashing Simon Harmer for six along with taking a boundary and six off Liam Livingstone, to inject momentum into the innings.

It contrasted with Royals' ace Afghanistan mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman delivering an economical spell of 2/22 amidst the onslaught from DSG's power-packed batting unit.

Captain Aiden Markram led the charge with 66 off 46 balls (2x4, 3x6) before Liam Livingstone (32 not out off 10 balls, 1x4, 4x6) and Heinrich Klaasen (29 off 18 balls, 2x4, 2x6) unleashed their power-hitting skills at the backend of the innings.

But ultimately it was not enough, with the Royals moving up to second place on 19 points, their superior number of victories edging out the Sunrisers into third position.

Super Giants, meanwhile, remain in fifth place on 14 points and face a must-win final round-robin match against the Royals at Kingsmead on Saturday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Thrilling match! Rubin Hermann and Dan Lawrence set it up perfectly. But Raza stealing the show on the last ball is the stuff of legends. Cricket is truly a game of glorious uncertainties. Well done, Paarl Royals!
A
Aman W
Great to see Sikandar Raza performing. Zimbabwean players don't always get the big league spotlight, but he's a quality all-rounder. Mujeeb's spell was crucial too—2/22 on a batting pitch is top class. Good for the tournament's competitiveness.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, it's fantastic to see such exciting leagues outside India. The quality is high. However, the article could have given a bit more context about the points table and what this means for the playoffs. Just a small suggestion!
V
Vikram M
Last-ball six! The drama never ends. This is why we love T20 cricket. DSG posted a big total, but the Royals chased it down clinically. The partnership between Hermann and Lawrence was the backbone. Saturday's rematch at Kingsmead is now a must-watch!
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Karthik V
Brilliant chase. But can we talk about the bowling? 186 is a lot to concede. Wiese will be gutted to bowl that last over. While the batting was fireworks, the Royals need to tighten up their bowling ahead of the knockouts. Just my two paise.

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