Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik rolled back the years with a brilliant half-century for Paarl Royals in their SA20 clash against Joburg Super Kings on January 30. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who retired from international cricket in June 2024, displayed his signature finishing skills with a crucial 53 off 39 balls—his maiden SA20 fifty.
Coming in at No. 6 with Paarl Royals struggling at 40 for 4 in the sixth over, Karthik had the tough task of stabilizing the innings after an early collapse. With captain David Miller and Joe Root unavailable, the responsibility fell on him to anchor the innings. The 39-year-old rose to the occasion, mixing composure with power-hitting, including a stunning assault on Wihan Lubbe in the 13th over, where he smashed three consecutive sixes. His innings was reminiscent of his role as a designated finisher for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024.
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Despite Karthik’s heroics, a lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup meant that Paarl Royals could only post 150/9 in their 20 overs. Joburg Super Kings, however, chased down the target with ease, thanks to a commanding 87 off 55 balls from Karthik’s former RCB teammate, Faf du Plessis.
Though the result didn’t go Paarl Royals’ way, Karthik’s vintage knock was a reminder of his enduring class and ability to deliver under pressure—something that will surely excite fans who have followed his late-career resurgence in T20 cricket.
