Joe Root stars as Paarl Royals cement SA20 playoff spot after beating Pretoria Capitals

The England star carried his bat throughout the innings to finish unbeaten on 78 off 56 balls as the hosts posted a total of 140-4 on a sluggish pitch on a sweltering day.

It was difficult for any batters to find their timing on the slow pitch but Root demonstrated his class and experience to strike eight fours and two sixes.

Sri Lankan Dunith Wellalage contributed 15 bt it was skipper David Miller who gave the impetus at the end with 29 no out from 18 balls as he and Root added 59 for the fifth wicket to push the total up to the 140-run mark.

The visitors could then only muster 129-7 in their allotted overs as for the first time ever in match in South Africa all 20 overs were bowled by spinners.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the pick of the home team's bowlers with figures of 2-17 while left-armer Bjorn Fortuin took 2-20.

Root showed his all-round capabilities with 2-32, including the wicket of the Capitals' top-scorer and fellow Englishman Will Jacks for 56 in the final over.

The Royals now find themselves five points clear at the top of the standings but already assured of a playoff position.

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