SA20 Opener Thriller: Durban Super Giants Edge MI Cape Town by 15 Runs Despite Ryan Rickelton’s Century

Durban, Newlands: The SA20 season-4 opener delivered an extraordinary night of cricket as Durban Super Giants defeated MI Cape Town by 15 runs in a high-octane match, despite a brilliant century by MI Cape Town’s Ryan Rickelton.

Record-Breaking Batting by Durban Super Giants

Batting first, Durban Super Giants posted a massive 232/5, setting the highest SA20 score at Newlands. New Zealand’s new opening duo Devon Conway and Kane Williamson gave a blazing start, scoring 96 runs in just 8.3 overs. Williamson contributed 40 runs off 25 balls, before MI captain Rashid Khan took a spectacular diving catch at mid-off.

England’s Jos Buttler and Henrich Klassen kept up the momentum with quickfire contributions of 20 and 22 runs respectively. Conway, who looked in formidable form, scored 64 off 33 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) before falling to Trent Boult.

In the final overs, Aiden Markram and Evan Jones unleashed a brutal assault. Markram scored 35 off 17 balls (5 fours, 1 six), while Jones remained unbeaten on 33 off 14 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes), taking the Super Giants to 232/5 — the highest-ever SA20 total at Newlands.

Rickelton’s Heroics in Vain for MI Cape Town

Chasing 233, MI Cape Town relied heavily on left-hander Ryan Rickelton, who once again showcased his special connection with Newlands. Early wickets of Rassie van der Dussen and Reza Hendricks put pressure on the visitors. Debutant Jason Smith brought excitement with 41 off 14 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), but crucial wickets in the death overs slowed their chase.

Rickelton was given a lifeline at 85 runs when a no-ball by Quenna Mafaka nullified his caught-out dismissal. He went on to complete his second T20 century, but with 22 runs needed off the final over, Durban’s fast bowler Ethan Bosch (4/46) delivered under pressure, dismissing Rickelton and sealing a 15-run victory for the Super Giants.

A Night of Pure Entertainment

The match produced a total of 449 runs, 25 sixes, and 40 fours, keeping fans at Newlands enthralled from start to finish. Despite Rickelton’s heroics, Durban Super Giants’ balanced team effort ensured a spectacular winning start to SA20 season-4.