SUNRISERS EASTERN CAPE SMASH PAARL ROYALS IN SA20 THRILLER

In a stunning display of power hitting and pace bowling, Sunrisers Eastern Cape put on a stunning performance against the Paarl Royals in Match 3 of the SA20 2025/26 season at Boland Park, running out convincing 137-run winners in what was one of the most one-sided T20 games in the league’s young history.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Sunrisers didn’t take long to seize control, racing to 186 for 4 in their 20 overs.

The platform was laid with aggressive intent as openers Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow provided a blistering start, putting on a solid opening stand that gave the innings the momentum it needed.

But it was Jordan Hermann who stole the show with the bat, pulverising the Royals’ attack with an unbeaten 62 off 28 balls, a knock laced with boundaries and sixes that kept the scoreboard ticking and applied real scoreboard pressure on the hosts.

Middle order contributions from Matthew Breetzke and the others ensured Sunrisers finished with a daunting total that proved far too steep for the Royals to chase.

The chase, though, turned into a rout. The Royals were bundled out for just 49 runs, the lowest total in SA20 history, as the Sunrisers’ pace battery ran riot.

Anrich Nortje led the charge with a devastating return to form by taking 4 wickets for 13 runs, and was ably supported by Adam Milne and Marco Jansen, who struck early blows in the powerplay to reduce Paarl to a precarious 30 for 4.

From there, there simply wasn’t any way back for the Royals, who struggled to build partnerships and couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure from the Sunrisers’ quicks.

The win not only gave Sunrisers Eastern Cape a bonus point but also made a loud statement in the early stages of the SA20, showcasing both their batting firepower and their bowling depth.

Image credit: The Citizen