Ottniel Baartman etched his name into the SA20 record books with a sensational bowling performance, becoming just the second player in the league’s history to claim a hat-trick. The milestone came during Paarl Royals’ clash against Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park, Centurion, where Baartman’s devastating spell turned the match decisively in his side’s favour.
How the hat-trick unfolded
Baartman’s historic moment arrived in the 19th over of the Pretoria Capitals’ innings. Bowling with precision and calm at the death, he dismantled the lower order with three wickets in three consecutive deliveries.
First, Andre Russell attempted to clear the infield but was caught in the deep. On the very next ball, Lizaad Williams was beaten by pace and accuracy and saw his stumps shattered. Completing the hat-trick, Lungi Ngidi mistimed his shot and offered a return catch, which Baartman safely held to seal the feat.
The sequence sparked wild celebrations among Paarl Royals players and fans, as the Capitals collapsed late in the innings.
Baartman grabs a 5-fer
Baartman finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 16 from his four overs, delivering one of the most economical and impactful spells of the SA20 season. His bowling restricted Pretoria Capitals to 127 all out in 19.1 overs, despite the surface offering decent batting conditions earlier in the innings.
Match result & Royals’ chase
Chasing the modest target, Paarl Royals cruised to victory with six wickets in hand and more than four overs to spare. The win also helped the Royals strengthen their position on the points table and move closer to securing a playoff spot.
Historic significance
Baartman became only the second bowler to take a hat-trick in SA20 history, following Lungi Ngidi, who achieved the feat earlier in the season. It was also the first hat-trick recorded by a Paarl Royals player in the competition, making the moment even more special for the franchise.
A spell to remember
Beyond the statistics, Baartman’s performance stood out for its timing and composure under pressure. His ability to execute yorkers and variations at the death underlined why he is regarded as one of the most reliable seamers in the league.
The hat-trick and five-wicket haul ensured Baartman’s spell will be remembered as one of the defining bowling performances of the SA20 season.
