Lhuan-dre Pretorius in action Photo: X|Paarl Royals Lhuan-dre Pretorius in action Photo: X|Paarl Royals Lhuan-dre Pretorius put on a batting exhibition at Boland Parkking game, scoring a scintillating 52-ball 83 that helped Paarl Royals beat table-toppers MI Cape Town by six wickets on Wednesday, January 15. (More Cricket News)
Pakistan, on the other hand, are behind India in second place, with eight points to their name, and also beat hosts China 5-1 in their most recent fixture.
After losing to India 8-1 in their last encounter, Malaysia were desperate for a win, and showed immense character to fight it out against Japan after they were a goal down after the first half.
After inserting the Rashid Khan-led Cape Town to bat, the Royals were straight away on the backfoot as Rassie van der Dussen and Azmatullah Omarzai started off on a very good note showcasing a lot of intent.
Dayyan Galiem drew first blood, giving the Royals a much needed breakthrough. Reeza Hendricks and Dussen, then stitched a good partnership, before Mujeeb Ur-Rahman picked two quick wickets.
Later on, Dussen shifted gears and finished on an unbeaten 91, as the MI Cape Town ended with 158/4 in 20 overs.
Chasing a below par total, Pretorious and Joe Root got off to a flier but Trent Boult got MICT back into the game, sending Root for just 15.
Mitchell Van Buuren assisted Pretorius, but was back for 22, and the 18-year-old was later run-out for 83. Miller and the experienced Dinesh Karthik got the job done for the Royals with an over to spare.
Paarl Royals Vs MI Cape Town: Playing XIsMI Cape Town (Playing XI): Rassie van der Dussen, Connor Esterhuizen(w), Reeza Hendricks, Colin Ingram, George Linde, Delano Potgieter, Dewald Brevis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan(c), Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult
Paarl Royals (Playing XI): Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Joe Root, Mitchell Van Buuren, David Miller(c), Dinesh Karthik(w), Dunith Wellalage, Dayyaan Galiem, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Mujeeb Ur Rahmanking game, Kwena Maphaka