Youngster Pretorius announces himself on T20 stage with brutal 97 as Royals down Sunrisers

Paarl Royals started their 2025 SA20 campaign with a 9-wicket win over defending champions, Eastern Cape Sunrisers, in Paarl on Saturday.

Set a target of 176, the Royals didn't have too much trouble in chasing down the runs thanks to a brilliant 97 off 51 balls from 18-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius, playing his first game in the competition, with England international Joe Root contributing 62* as the pair put on 132 for the opening wicket.

Pretorius, who played fearlessly, smashed 10 fours and six sixes in his knock to get the Royals well ahead of the required run-rate and keep them fully in control of the chase.

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He was eventually out LBW to Marco Jansen, with the Royals still needing 44 off 42. The experienced Root and David Miller, however, saw their side to an easy win with 8 balls to spare.

Earlier, the Sunrisers posted 175/5 thanks to a brilliant 82 off 49 balls from skipper Aiden Markram.

He was supported by Tristan Stubbs (28*) and Zak Crawley (27), with Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/27) and Kwena Maphaka (2/35) the pick of the bowlers for the Royals.

Scores in brief:

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 175/5 (Aiden Markram 82, Tristan Stubbs 28*, Mujeeb Ur Raham (2/27)

Paarl Royals: (Pretorius 97, Root 62*)

Paarl Royals win by 9 wickets.