The defeat also means the Super Giants have been eliminated from the tournament as they cannot reach the playoffs after having lost in the final last season.

Chasing a target of 144, and cheered on by a sold-out crowd, it was all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem who smashed a six when three runs were required with two balls remaining.

The run-chase did not get off to a good start when Joe Root was out lbw to spinner Prenelan Subrayen off the first ball of the innings.

Luhan-dre Pretorius (43 off 29 balls) and Rubin Hermann (59 off 51 balls) then put on a 91-run partnership for the second wicket.

Dinesh Karthik added a quick-fire 21 from 15 balls but lost his wicket in the penultimate over when seven runs were still needed for victory, with Galiem sealing the win in emphatic fashion.

Earlier, Proteas teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka (2-22 in 4 overs) delivered his best bowling figures of the competition as the Super Giants were restricted to a total of 143-7.

Spinner Bjorn Fortuin also took two wickets and was at his economical best as the left-arm bowler only conceded 20 runs in his four overs.

Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis tried his best for the visitors, striking 55 from 40 balls while New Zealand international Kane Williamson hit 45 but it was not enough.

The only concern for the Royals will be the fitness of captain David Miller, who left the field during the bowling innings with a groin injury and did not come out to bat in the run-chase.

READ MORE: Lutho Sipamla delivers as Joburg Super Kings get SA20 campaign back on track

Live TV

Caf Champions League 2025/26

Safa Women Championship 2025