SA20: Faf du Plessis rues poor batting show after loss against Paarl Royals

Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis was disappointed with his team’s batting show after suffering a six-wicket loss against Paarl Royals at the Boland Park, Paarl on Monday in the ongoing SA20. Asked to bat first by Royals’ captain David Miller, JSK posted an under-par score of 146-6.

The visitors lost three quick wickets in the Powerplay overs and from there on they were always behind the game. Jonny Bairstow scored an impressive knock of 60 runs off 40 balls whereas Donovan Ferreira added the finishing touches with a cameo of 19-ball 32 but the tourists could not even go past the 150-run mark as other batters failed to contribute.

On the other hand, the Royals were able to get over the line after Mitchell Van Buuren scored almost a run-a-ball 44 whereas skipper David Miller scored an unbeaten 40 off 32 balls.

Faf du Plessis said in the post-match presentation, “When you come in and bat first and you know it is going to get easier in the second innings, you really need to push to 180 and then you are in the game. We batted poorly in the first 8 overs. Once a partnership grows, it gets easier in the middle. When you are behind the eight ball, you kind of sit back mentally and this game has a funny way of finding things out.”

Meanwhile, Bairstow was awarded Player of the Match for his fine knock but his innings went in vain. He said they were may be 15-20 runs short of a par score.

The Englishman said, “I thought we had a competitive score, but 15-20 short maybe. Their bowlers put us on the back foot and fair play to them. If you go a bit too early, then you might be 5-6 down early, but if you are brave enough to keep wickets in the back end, to exploit the shorter side that would be really great. Absolutely loving my time here and what an amazing country.”

Joburg Super Kings will next take on Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Friday.