Super Kings vs Royals, 9th Match at Paarl, SA20, Jan 17 2024 - Ball by Ball Commentary

9:02pm That's it from us for tonight. Do join us tomorrow as Durban's Super Giants taken on the Pretoria Capitals. Until then, this is goodbye from me (Shashwat), Ranjith and everyone else at ESPNcricinfo. Take care, folks!

Jos Buttler, Player of the Match: Nice to contribute to a win. We have started the competition really well. I just came in (yesterday) and did a bit of range hitting. Have tried to get away from the game a bit. Have been really well looked after. Lots of golf, a bit of cricket. Last few months have been challenging, so just trying to enjoy my cricket. (On enduring a tough time as England captain) Captaincy is a great honour and privilege and you ride those emotions a little more. The recent past has been a bit tougher. (On the Royals leadership dynamic) David is captaining the team brilliantly. Shane Bond is the coach and they share a nice bond together. The bowlers have been fantastic, they have been clear with their plans, especially at home.

David Miller, Paarl Royals captain: It was a great result, happy with it. Overall good performance, nice to get the bonus point in the end. Bowlers bowled exceptionally well, did what they needed to do. Jos and Wihan batted superbly in that partnership. He (Ngidi) is key to our success. We have lots of good international bowlers but he has definitely taken up the leadership role in the bowling department. Credit to him. (On playing in Paarl) Big boundary here, the dimensions are a little bit different. Slightly less bounce and it can turn a bit. A bit of wind too - some factors to think about (for teams coming here). (On Buttler) He is a world-class player. Nice to have that kind of experience in the team. Going at more than 10s on that pitch, it was special.

Faf du Plessis, Joburg Super Kings captain: (On the game) Disappointing. There are some similar patterns which are not nice to see. Cricket is a game of momentum and we feel the momentum is going against us. You need a couple of big players to pull it towards us. Key guys getting some good form - that is the recipe for getting a turnaround. It starts with myself at the top of the order. We need a couple of guys to put their hands up with the bat and get those 60-70s. They (the Royals) have got a few guys in form, and that is the flip side. Five out of six (in our side) are not in great form, and have not played a lot of cricket lately. Cricket is not a game handed on a silver platter and we have to find a way around it. That is the plan (to turn things around at home in their next game), and hopefully a few guys put their hands up.

8:45pm The Royals did it at a canter, and they got a bonus point in the process too. Buttler was sensational, tiding over the sluggish nature of the surface and blazing away to 70* off 37 balls. Lubbe played his part too, smashing 39 off 30 and breaking the back of the run-chase during the powerplay. Chasing such a modest total, that was all the Royals needed, and they accomplished it with the minimal of fuss.

Lots to ponder for the Super Kings, who are now without a win in four. Their bowling lacked ideas, and their batting was pretty abject. Nothing seems to be working for them, and with time quickly running out, they will need to find a way to string together a few good performances (and possibly wins).

van Buuren has a Free hit to tuck into...

Just 11 runs needed now. If the Royals can chase this down inside 16 overs, they will win with a bonus point. Shepherd gets a bowl