Root hits 78 as Paarl Royals win in SA20
Joe Root last played a T20 for England in 2019
- Published
Joe Root hit 78 not out as his SA20 side Paarl Royals beat Pretoria Capitals by 11 runs.
Opening the batting, Root hit eight fours and two sixes in his 56-ball innings, anchoring the Royals to 140-4 in their full 20 overs.
He put on an unbeaten 59 stand with skipper David Miller after a run of early wickets.
The former England captain then also chipped in with two wickets for good measure as the Capitals were restricted to 129-7.
Root said: "Today was a case of being brave enough to take it deeper and you might have a better match-up down the line. I thought we did that pretty well.
"When I was bowling I tried to stay as low as I can. There was a lack of bounce, which makes it hard to get after.
"I didn't think it would spin as much as that. It was a great game of cricket. I've really enjoyed my time here and want to keep putting in winning performances."
Root is one of 14 England players taking part in the six-team tournament.
