Durban, Jan 11 (NationPress) The Durban Super Giants clinched a dramatic last-ball victory, narrowly defeating the Pretoria Capitals by just two runs in a gripping SA20 season 3 encounter at Kingsmead.
Despite an explosive innings from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 89 runs, and a strong 154-run opening partnership alongside Will Jacks, the Capitals fell short of their target of 210, finishing at 207/6.
The Super Giants had initially set a challenging total of 209/4, with notable performances from New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (60 not out) and Wiaan Mulder (45 not out off 19 balls). The Capitals had managed to bring the target down to 21 runs needed off 19 balls with six wickets still intact.
However, that’s when the Afghan duo of Noor Ahmad (2/34) and Naveen-ul-Haq (1/35) tightened the grip, requiring the Capitals to chase down 14 runs off the final six balls.
Noor had previously taken down the opening pair of Gurbaz and Jacks, and captain Keshav Maharaj contributed by dismissing the formidable Liam Livingstone in the penultimate over.
This left Naveen-ul-Haq with the challenging task of defending 14 runs in the last over against teenage sensation Steve Stolk. Stolk managed to keep the scoreboard moving, allowing Kyle Verreynne to hit a boundary, reducing the target to four runs required off the final ball. However, Naveen remained composed and restricted Stolk to a leg-bye, igniting a roar from the Super Giants' supporters.
The Capitals' chase appeared promising thanks to a remarkable 154-run opening stand between Gurbaz and Jacks. Jacks has captivated SA20 audiences over the past two seasons with his explosive batting, while this marked Gurbaz’s debut in the league, showcasing his fearless approach by scoring all around the Kingsmead.
He was particularly aggressive against pace, attacking England's Chris Woakes and employing the sweep shot effectively against DSG captain Keshav Maharaj.
Gurbaz reached his maiden SA20 half-century in just 22 balls (2x4, 5x6), while Jacks took six balls more for his fifty, also smashing five sixes. Gurbaz eventually fell for 89 runs off 43 balls (3x4, 7x6), caught at the boundary off Noor's bowling, while Jacks followed shortly after with 64 runs (35 balls, 3x4, 5x6). Earlier, the Super Giants had also introduced an exciting new opening pair in Matthew Breetzke and Bryce Parsons to kick off the new season.
Coach Lance Klusener was eager to see how the Rising Star Parsons would perform after retaining the Season 2 Rookie. Parsons, making his SA20 debut, dazzled with a boundary-laden 47 runs off 28 balls (5x4, 2x6), contributing to a rapid 67-run opening partnership with Breetzke in just 6.3 overs.
Breetzke continued his form from the previous season with 33 runs off 20 balls (5x4, 1x6), exhibiting some flamboyant leg-side boundaries, notably one reminiscent of SA20 commentator Kevin Pietersen.
The introduction of Senuran Muthusamy into the attack after the Powerplay slowed the Super Giants' momentum, as the left-arm spinner tempted Breetzke into a drive that was caught by Rilee Rossouw.
Muthusamy claimed three wickets (3/21) on the night, displaying his experience and tactical acumen on the Kingsmead pitch.
The Capitals continued to apply pressure, with Jimmy Neesham luring Williamson into an aerial drive, only for Gurbaz to drop the catch at the boundary.
This misstep proved costly, as Williamson and Mulder capitalized, striking the ball cleanly and regaining momentum. Initially, Mulder was in fine form, hitting two consecutive sixes over the cover boundary.
Once Williamson found his rhythm, he showcased his class, which ultimately became the decisive factor in a thrilling evening at Kingsmead.
