Ottneil Baartman delivered a masterclass in seam bowling, claiming a magnificent hat-trick and a brilliant five-wicket haul (5/16) for the Paarl Royals against the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 2026 tournament. This exceptional performance on Thursday evening, January 15, 2026, at SuperSport Park in Centurion, was instrumental in the Royals' dominant victory. Baartman's hat-trick, achieved by dismissing Andre Russell, Lizaad Williams, and Lungi Ngidi in consecutive deliveries, made him only the second bowler in SA20 history to accomplish this feat. Earlier in the innings, he had also taken two wickets in successive deliveries, accounting for Connor Esterhuizen and Jordan Cox. His devastating spell helped rout the Pretoria Capitals for just 127 runs. The Paarl Royals comfortably chased down the target with six wickets and 4.1 overs to spare, securing an invaluable bonus point. This bonus-point win propelled the Royals to the top of the Betway SA20 standings with 21 points, ensuring their qualification for the playoffs. They joined Sunrisers Eastern Cape as the first two teams to secure their playoff berths. The victory showcased the Royals' strong form and Baartman's crucial role in their campaign.