Durban’s Super Giants endured a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat against Paarl Royals in a last-over thriller at Boland Park, Paarl, in their ninth match of SA20 Season 4.
Aiden Markram’s composed 66 and a breathtaking late assault from Liam Livingstone, who smashed an unbeaten 32 off just 10 balls, powered the Super Giants to a competitive 186/5. However, despite an excellent bowling effort from Eathan Bosch, who returned figures of 2 for 29 from his four overs, the Royals held their nerve to clinch the chase off the final delivery.
After being put in to bat by the Royals skipper, the Super Giants got off to a positive start through Sunil Narine and Aiden Markram. Narine wasted no time in taking on the bowlers, striking a rapid 22 off 11 balls, while Markram anchored the innings with calm authority.
The captain then went on to register his first fifty for Durban’s Super Giants, a well-crafted 66 that featured two fours and three sixes, setting a strong platform in the middle overs.
The innings gathered serious momentum towards the end. Heinrich Klaasen chipped in with a brisk 29 off 18 balls, ensuring the run rate stayed healthy. But it was Liam Livingstone who truly lit up Boland Park, launching a stunning counterattack in the death overs. His four towering sixes in a 10-ball cameo pushed the Super Giants well past the 180-mark and gave the bowlers a total to defend.
In response, the Super Giants struck early. David Wiese and Eathan Bosch removed the Royals’ openers within the first five overs, putting the hosts under immediate pressure.
However, Dan Lawrence and Ruben Hermann steadied the chase with a decisive 106-run partnership for the third wicket, swinging the momentum back in Paarl’s favour. Hermann continued to anchor the innings and later found support in Sikandar Raza, who kept his composure and struck the match-winning runs in the final over of a tense contest.
While this defeat leaves the Super Giants in a challenging position in the race for playoff qualification, the fight is far from over. The team will give its all in the final home game at Kingsmead on January 17 against the Paarl Royals. See you back in Durban, Super Giants!
