Dinesh Karthik To Debut; Paarl Royals' Probable XI vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Paarl Royals to face Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20 2025 season [Source: @paarlroyals/X.com]Paarl Royals to face Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20 2025 season [Source: @paarlroyals/X.com]

SA20 2025 season will see a fierce battle between Paarl Royals and Sunrisers Eastern Cape on January 11. Boland Park will host the game, which will begin at 4.30 PM IST.

Paarl Royals narrowly missed out of the 2024 SA20 season finals. They finished third on the points table with 5 wins in 10 games. Nevertheless, the Royals will look for a fresh start in the 2025 season. They have built a strong and balanced lineup which consists of experienced as well as promising youngsters. 

Ahead of Paarl Royals' opening fixture of the SA20's newest edition, let's see what their playing XI will look like.

Dinesh Karthik, Joe Root likely to debut

Paarl Royals could have a couple of debutants for their opening fixture of the SA20 2025 season. Dinesh Karthik, one of the experienced Indian cricketers who has recently announced his retirement, becomes the first Indian cricketer to join SA20. He is likely to be the first-choice wicket-keeper for the Royals. 

Besides, the Royals have also retained prolific English batter Joe Root. He can help stabilise the top order with his sensible approach. He can stabilise the top order with his sensible approach. Lhuan-dre Pretorius might open alongside Root, with Sam Hain and David Miller adding fire to the middle order.

Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka to lead pace attack

In the bowling department, Paarl Royals will likely trust Lungi Ngidi and promising youngster Kwena Maphaka. Ngidi is the experienced all-format cricketer who is more renowned for his pure speed. 

Maphaka, however, has been in good touch himself as he has produced match-winning spells in the last Test series against Pakistan. Fortuin and Nqabayomzi Peter would be some other notable names to strengthen the Royals' bowling unit.

The Paarl Royals will bank on their seasoned core and strong bowling unit to overcome the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who would look to bounce back after their thumping defeat in the opener.

Paarl Royals probable XI

Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Joe Root
Sam Hain
David Miller (C)
Dinesh Karthik (WK)
Dunith Wellalage
Andile Phehlukwayo
Bjorn Fortuin
Nqabayomzi Peter
Lungi Ngidi
Kwena Maphaka