CFM’s first game at the Wanderers for the SA20 started off as an exciting one before the rain stole the vibe at the Wanderers. | ✍️ Khalid Mohidin

The big surprise was that for a 13:30 kick-off, fans started streaming in as soon as doors were open. For a day game, usually, we would only start to get a feel for what the ambience would be like halfway through the first innings, but in this clash against the Paarl Royals, it was clear that the atmosphere would be a banger.

The home side was sitting fourth on the table, while their opponents, the Royals are just one point clear of them in third on the log. That alone would give you an indication of the intensity of the clash that we would be witnessing.

The Royals, despite losing their skipper Jos Buttler for 23 off 11 balls. Wihan Lubbe was net to fall, after 12 off 18 balls, the Royals were down two for 77 after 7.3 overs.

Jason Roy was in great form, continuing where he left off in the ODI Series against the Proteas where he scored 113 in Bloem and got himself to a 23-ball 42 by the end of the 9th over before rain-interrupted play.

Dane Vilas came in at 4 after a short delay and helped the visitors pass the 100-run mark. He never lasted long, thanks to Nandre Burger, who removed his off stump on 17. Two balls into the 18th PR were 112/3.

Jason Roy brought up his 50 in 34 balls., hitting seven fours and two sixes, and continued to be the glue to the Royals’ batting innings. He managed to get himself to 61 off 41 deliveries but was dismissed after a maximum. PR were reduced to 130/4 after 14.5 overs.

At the conclusion of the 15th over, the rain came back again this time in bucket loads, with one run added to the total.

The spirits of the fans were dampened by the rain which called an end to the match.

The teams shared 2 points each for the No Result, with JSK going to 18 and the Royals to 19.