Joburg Super Kings maintained their challenge for a place in the SA20 playoffs with a victory over the table-topping Paarl Royals at the Wanderers on Thursday.

Super Kings remain in fourth place, but are now level on 19 points with the third-placed Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The defending champions are ahead of the Super Kings based on having earned more bonus points.

Captain Faf du Plessis led the charge with a stroke-filled 87 off 55 balls (4x4, 7x6) as the Super Kings cruised past the Royals' 150/9 with seven wickets to spare.