The Durban Super Giants commenced their SA20 campaign with an exhilarating 2-run triumph over the Pretoria Capitals at Kingsmead Stadium on Friday. The Super Giants set a formidable target of 209/4, bolstered by significant performances from New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who remained unbeaten on 60, and Wiaan Mulder, who delivered a rapid 45 not out from just 19 balls. Although the Capitals appeared to be in a commanding position for the majority of their innings, needing only 21 runs from 19 balls with six wickets in hand, the Afghan bowlers Noor Ahmad (2/34) and Naveen-ul-Haq (1/35) executed a brilliant display of death bowling that shifted the momentum.

Noor made early inroads by dismissing the Capitals' openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Will Jacks, while captain Keshav Maharaj took out the perilous Liam Livingstone in the penultimate over. This left Naveen-ul-Haq to defend 14 runs in the final over against teenager Steve Stolk. Stolk managed to rotate the strike, allowing Kyle Verreynne to hit a boundary, which reduced the target to four runs off the last ball. Nevertheless, Naveen maintained his composure, limiting Stolk to goodbye and igniting jubilant celebrations among the Super Giants supporters.

The Capitals' pursuit was fueled by a remarkable 154-run opening partnership between Gurbaz and Jacks. Gurbaz, in his SA20 debut, exhibited fearless batting, effectively dismantling both pace and spin. He targeted England seamer Chris Woakes and unleashed a series of sweeps against Maharaj, racing to his first SA20 half-century in just 22 balls (2 fours, 5 sixes). Jacks was equally aggressive, reaching his fifty in 28 balls and hitting five sixes. Gurbaz ultimately fell for an impressive 89 off 43 balls (3 fours, 7 sixes), caught on the boundary by his compatriot Noor, while Jacks soon followed with a score of 64 off 35 balls (3 fours, 5 sixes).

The Super Giants are in motion

The Super Giants recently unveiled an intriguing new opening partnership featuring Matthew Breetzke and Bryce Parsons. The promising Parsons, retained for Season 2, made a notable impact in his debut, scoring a boundary-filled 47 runs off 28 deliveries (5 fours, 2 sixes) and establishing a 67-run opening partnership with Breetzke in a mere 6.3 overs. Breetzke, continuing his strong performance from the previous season, contributed a swift 33 runs off 20 balls (5 fours, 1 six), showcasing several impressive leg-side shots reminiscent of Kevin Pietersen.

The introduction of Senuran Muthusamy following the Powerplay disrupted the Super Giants' momentum. The seasoned left-arm spinner dismissed Breetzke, luring him into a poorly judged drive that was caught by Rilee Rossouw, and subsequently took the wickets of Parsons and Quinton de Kock, concluding with remarkable figures of 3 for 21. Liam Livingstone further bolstered the Capitals’ position by dismissing the formidable Heinrich Klaasen for a duck, leaving the Super Giants in a precarious situation.

Nevertheless, a crucial dropped catch of Williamson by Gurbaz at a pivotal moment proved to be a significant error. Williamson seized the opportunity, collaborating with Mulder to stabilize the innings. Mulder initiated a counteroffensive with two colossal sixes over cover, allowing Williamson the necessary time to establish his rhythm. Once comfortable, the Kiwi star exhibited his characteristic grace, anchoring the innings and guiding the Super Giants to a competitive score.

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