Hermann’s heroics: Paarl Royals chase down mammoth target to sink Durban's Super Giants

Paarl Royals batter Rubin Hermann struck an unbeaten half-century to guide his team to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Durban’s Super Giants at Boland Park on Tuesday.

This season has proven to be a turning point in Hermann’s career. Regardless of the format, the left-handed batter has stepped up his game to such an extent that he recently donned the green and gold of the Proteas on the back of impressive domestic performances. On Tuesday evening, the 28-year-old took centre stage at Boland Park.

The Royals were set a mammoth 187 to win and, considering the traditionally slow surface in Paarl, the target felt too steep for any side to chase down—even for the home team. However, Hermann struck an unbeaten 65 to set the match up for a grandstand finish, with the Royals eventually winning off the very last ball of the game.

Sikandar Raza (27 not out) faced the final delivery with the Royals still needing two runs to win. He dispatched the ball for six as seam bowler David Wiese (1/35) missed his length, serving up a full toss. That maximum saw the Royals secure the win and ensured that Durban’s Super Giants would not make it to the knockout stage of the competition.

Englishman Dan Lawrence also played a crucial hand, scoring 63 off 41 balls. Smashing four sixes and two fours, he combined with Hermann for a vital 110-run partnership.

While the Super Giants’ playoff hopes were shattered, they did not go down without a fight. Aiden Markram scored 66 opening the batting—an innings that Proteas coach Shukri Conrad will be pleased with, given the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup takes place in India next month. Markram’s knock inspired Liam Livingstone to a cracking 10-ball 32, featuring four sixes and a four, to take the Super Giants to 186. It was a score they would have felt confident of defending at the halfway mark.

Paarl Royals spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/22.

Match Scorecard

Durban's Super Giants: 186/5 (Aiden Markram 66; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/22, Nqobani Mokoena 2/56)

Paarl Royals: 191/4 (Rubin Hermann 65 not out, Dan Lawrence 63; Eathan Bosch 2/29)

Result: Paarl Royals won by six wickets