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The Paarl Royals defeated MI Cape Town by a single run at Boland Park on Friday night, securing victory in a closely contested match between the two sides.

The Royals have secured bragging rights following their victory in the opening game of the Cape Derby in Paarl, sending the defending champions to the bottom of the current rankings with three defeats in four matches.

MI Cape Town needed 182 runs to secure the victory, and their opening pair, Rassie van der Dussen (59) and Ryan Rickelton (36), provided a strong start with a 77-run partnership.

Nevertheless, the Royals made a comeback, as Sikandar Raza (3/27) and Ottneil Baartman (4/51) took the initiative with their bowling performances.

With the score at 118/6 in the 15th over, it seemed the end was near for MI Cape Town until captain Rashid Khan stepped up to bat.

Khan scored 35 in 18 balls, bringing the visiting team within 13 runs of the target with four balls left.

Nevertheless, Baartman upstaged the performance, dismissing Khan and Kagiso Rabada (6) to claim his 50th wicket in the SA20, making him the second player to reach this milestone following Marco Jansen.

Baartman’s frosty blood helped the Royals secure a narrow one-run victory, while MI Cape Town’s lackluster performance persisted, leaving them winless after four matches.

Previously, MI Cape Town’s poor beginning in the competition with the ball remained at Boland Park.

Having already given up over 200 points twice in the competition, the reigning champions allowed 181 on Friday, a score the Royals, although they have a strong batting lineup, shouldn’t have achieved given the conditions at Boland Park.

Nevertheless, MI Cape Town’s bowling lineup struggled with regularity in terms of line and length, while the home team’s batting side took advantage of the easy scoring opportunities.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius (98 not out) and Asa Tribe (51), the opening batsmen for Paarl Royals, caused the most harm, forming a century partnership before Tribe was caught by Rashid Khan (2/31) in the 11th over.

David Miller provided a useful cameo, scoring 19 off 14 balls, aiding the home team to reach 181/3, a strong total given the circumstances in Paarl.

Match Scorecard

Paarl Royals:181/3 (Lhuan-dre 98 not out, Asa Tribe 51; Rashid Khan 2/31)

MI Cape Town:180/8 (Rassie van der Dussen 59, Ryan Rickelton 36; Ottneil Baartman 4/51)

Paarl Royals triumphed by a single run