In a riveting encounter at Kingsmead, Durban Super Giants kicked off their SA20 2024 campaign with a thrilling 11-run victory (DLS method) against MI Cape Town on Thursday, January 11.
Opting to bowl first on a batting-friendly track, Keshav Maharaj’s decision faced fierce opposition from Ryan Rickelton, who launched a spirited assault on the Durban bowlers, amassing an impressive 87 runs off 51 balls, including six fours and as many sixes.
Despite a slight deceleration in the latter part of his innings, Liam Livingstone, Connor Esterhuizen, and skipper Kieron Pollard, with an unbeaten cameo of 31 runs off 13 balls, propelled Cape Town to a formidable total of 207/5 in 20 overs. Keemo Paul stood out among the Durban bowlers, finishing with commendable figures of 2/31 in his four overs.
Durban’s run chase began on a shaky note, losing two wickets in the initial three overs. Kagiso Rabada dismissed Quinton de Kock, while Beuran Hendricks showcased skill with a peach of a delivery to dismiss Wiaan Mulder. The decision to promote Keemo ahead of Heinrich Klaasen and Nicholas Pooran raised eyebrows, but his brief cameo was followed by a resilient partnership between Breetzke and Klaasen, forming a 47-run alliance.
Breetzke’s departure didn’t deter Klaasen, who unleashed a boundary-laden onslaught, accumulating 85 runs off just 35 balls. Despite his heroics, rain intervened with Durban at 177/6 after 16.3 overs, Dwaine Pretorius and Prenelan Subrayen at the crease. Ultimately, Durban secured an 11-run victory via the DLS method, with Klaasen rightfully named the Player of the Match for his blistering knock.
