PAARL Royals were the first team to qualify for the SA20 Playoffs having been dominant in the tournament, particularly in their home conditions at Boland Park.
Despite their dominance at home, the major question mark surrounding the team was whether or not they had the game to win in the highveld.
Yes, they recorded the highest successful run-chase in Centurion, but the question was whether or not they could replicate the same result against a stronger attack.
When they sank on Thursday night, beaten by seven wickets by Joburg Super Kings in Johannesburg, it was clear that the side had adjustments to make in their game plans and execution in the highveld.
Bjorn Fortuin, captain of the Royals, believes they have the experience to be able to adapt in the highveld given that he himself, along with other Royals players, are based in the highveld in domestic cricket.
"Regardless of whether we win or lose, I don't think the conditions should be an excuse. About 60 to 70 per cent of our squad plays their cricket up here," said Fortuin.
"We are all familiar with highveld conditions. I've been up here for ten years so as the few other guys as well. The conditions will never be an excuse."
The Royals are taking on Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Gqeberha today and are looking to polish their skills ahead of the first qualifier in the same venue.
Fortuin emphasised that the team will be looking to get back on track in terms of scoring more runs at the top of the order, a feat they were not able to replicate in Johannesburg earlier this week.
"It's a good thing that some of the guys got some time out in the middle with the bat. But in saying that, we are a team that's done well this season when the top order has fired,"
"In the playoffs and in the coming game as well, you would hope that would be the case. It's definitely a strong point of our team, the amount of runs that we've got at the top of the order as well as the explosiveness that it's come with.
"It's nice to have the other guys in the middle to steer the ship. But, I'm sure come the next game we'll look to rectify that and try to have a bigger stand up front."
The encounter is scheduled for 1 pm.