Opting to bat first proved to be a successful decision for Durban’s Super Giants, as openers Matthew Bretzkee and Tony De Zorzi anchored the team to 71/1 at the conclusion of the powerplay. However, De Zorzi’s departure and Quinten de Kock’s dismissal to a superb delivery by Adil Rashid cast a shadow over DSG’s innings.
Nevertheless, a remarkable partnership of 61 runs between Quinten de Kock and Bretzkee injected the much-needed momentum. The Giants’ middle order displayed relentless batting, forming blazing partnerships between Heirich Klassen and Bretzkee, as well as Keshav Maharaj and JJ Smuts, ultimately leading to a solid total of 174/9.
Despite the spinners finding grip and turn, Senuran Muthusamy’s spell of 3/26 for the Capitals, including crucial wickets of Breetzke and Klaasen, stood out. The Capitals effectively pulled things back, limiting Durban Super Giants to 107/2 after the initial 10 overs, concluding with a score of 174.
Pretoria Capitals experienced a disastrous start as opener Phil Salt departed for a duck in the first over, courtesy of a brilliant catch by Junior Dala. Will Jacks and Kyle Verreynne attempted to revive the Capitals’ innings with a decent partnership of 40 runs.
However, the Giants found relief by dismissing Verreynne just before the powerplay, leaving the score at 47/2 in six overs. The Giants’ bowling remained disciplined, securing wickets in quick succession, preventing the Capitals from establishing a constructive partnership.
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Junior Dala’s five-wicket haul in the death overs further highlighted the Capitals’ struggles, and they could only manage 166/9 in 20 overs. With a clinical victory, Durban’s Super Giants became the first team to secure a playoff berth.
