The Paarl Royals have assembled a star-studded squad for the inaugural season of the Betway SA20 but the ace up their sleeve could be spinning all-rounder Bjorn Fortuin.

Fortuin was born in Paarl and spent all his formative years learning the game and watching his cricket idols at the picturesque Boland Park.

The 28-year-old has carved out a successful career and has built a reputation for stepping up when his team needs him the most, especially in domestic cricket.

Back in January 2019, Fortuin’s domestic franchise, the Lions, needed to win the final 4-Day game of the season against the Warriors to clinch the trophy and they had an awful start to the contest as they slipped to 96-6 early on the first day.

Fortuin again showed he is the man for the big occasion as he slammed 183 batting at number seven with the Lions eventfully getting to a first-innings total in excess of 400.

He then also contributed with the ball in a match that went down to the final few overs in the last session of the fourth day with the Lions sealing a dramatic victory to take the title.

In April 2022, in the domestic One-Day Cup final, Fortuin – batting at number eight – hit an unbeaten 62 not out off 57 deliveries and slammed a six in the final over to win another trophy for his team.

The left-arm spinner has become a specialist new-ball bowler in T20 cricket when batters naturally come hard, but that has not fazed him throughout his career.

Fortuin has also had plenty of success at Boland Park, where he enjoys the conditions and performing in front of his family and close friends in Paarl.

Together with spin-twin and Royals teammate, Tabraiz Shamsi, Fortuin became a local hero when he helped the Paarl Rocks to the Mzansi Super League (MSL) title in the second edition.

While Shamsi ended second in the wicket-takers list, Fortuin controlled games and finished the tournament with one of the best economy rates, going at less than seven runs an over, which impressively is also his overall stats after more than 90 T20 matches. He has also gone past the 100-wicket mark.

The Royals will not be short of superstars in the SA20 with England’s World Cup winners Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan and Jason Roy part of the group.

Proteas legend and hard-hitting batter David Miller will lead the side and national players Shamsi and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will have crucial roles in their success this season.

With the Boland Park surface notoriously favouring slow bowling and temperatures soaring in the region this time of year, Fortuin could be the vital cog that makes the difference for the Royals.