Senuran Muthusamy’s sharp bowling and James Coles’ standout all-round performance led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a convincing seven-wicket win over the Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2 of the SA20 at the Wanderers on Friday (January 23).

Muthusamy finished with impressive figures of 3 for 15, while Coles contributed with 1 for 14, helping to limit the Royals to 114 for 7, even with Kyle Verreynne holding firm with an unbeaten 52. Coles capped off a fantastic evening by scoring a dazzling 45 not out off just 19 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes, as the Sunrisers chased down the target in just 11.4 overs, securing their spot in the finals for the fourth time in a row. 

Quinton de Kock set the pace for the chase, racing to 25 off 12 balls and sending Hardus Viljoen’s deliveries soaring for two massive sixes.

The Paarl Royals managed to fight back briefly through Bjorn Fortuin, who bowled de Kock and then trapped Jonny Bairstow lbw with a clever arm-ball, igniting a flicker of hope. Jordan Hermann steadied the innings with a series of boundaries until Ottneil Baartman struck late in the PowerPlay to send him back to the pavilion. As the night wore on, the pitch became more forgiving, offering less turn than before, which allowed the batting to flow more freely. 

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Coles took charge after Hermann’s dismissal, making a statement with a six on his very first ball off Baartman. He then unleashed a barrage on Dan Lawrence in the ninth over, which cost 21 runs and shifted the momentum firmly in the Sunrisers' favor. Matthew Breetzke provided solid support as Coles finished the match in style with a straight six off Lhuan-dre Pretorius, sealing a dominant victory with over eight overs to spare. 

Earlier, the Paarl Royals found themselves in a tough spot after being sent in to bat on a dry pitch that was offering sharp turn and uneven bounce. Lutho Sipamla struck early by getting Pretorius out, while Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen kept the pressure on relentlessly. Nortje also took down Rubin Hermann, and then Coles and Muthusamy really started to tighten the screws.

Lawrence edged one off Coles, and Asa Tribe was stumped by Muthusamy, leaving the Royals in a precarious position at 34 for 4 within just seven overs. Verreynne showed some resilience and composure during the middle overs, but more wickets from Muthusamy meant that the total never posed a real threat to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.