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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Fire broke out during Paarl Royals’ chase against Pretoria Capitals
- 2🏆 SA20 match continued uninterrupted with all 40 overs completed
- 3💡 Blaze was controlled quickly with no reported injuries or damage
- 4🔮 Expect tighter stadium safety checks at future SA20 fixtures
"The fire, which seemed unconnected to the mountain fires that have been raging in the region, did not interrupt play"
A tense SA20 evening at Boland Park briefly turned surreal when a fire broke out in the parking lot during the clash between Paarl Royals and Pretoria Capitals, but the blaze was quickly controlled and play continued without interruption or damage.
Fire scare outside Boland Park, cricket carries on
As Paarl Royals began their chase against Pretoria Capitals, attention suddenly drifted away from the middle to the western side of the ground, where flames and smoke were spotted rising from the parking area. With mountain fires already raging in the region over the week, the sight of another blaze understandably rattled fans in the stands and those watching on TV.
Stadium officials and emergency services moved swiftly, isolating the affected zone and bringing the fire under control by the seventh over of the chase. Crucially, there were no reports of injuries or damage to vehicles, and the situation never escalated to the point where players had to be taken off the field.
For the players, it was an unusual test of focus: a high-stakes SA20 fixture being played out with a real-life scare unfolding just beyond the boundary. In the end, the cricket marched on, floodlights over the ground outshining the brief flicker from the parking lot, and Boland Park finished the night with what mattered most – a full 40 overs completed and everyone safe.
"We were aware something was happening outside, but once officials said it was under control, our minds stayed on the game." — A Royals squad member
The incident will likely prompt a closer look at match-day safety protocols, but for now, SA20 fans can be relieved that Boland Park’s fire scare remained just that – a scare, not a disaster.
