DSG determined to maintain unbeaten streak

JSK seeking first victory after an abandoned opening clash

Monday, 15 January 2024: Durban’s Super Giants are looking to preserve their unbeaten start to the Betway SA20 Season 2, while Joburg Super Kings will be seeking their first win of the competition at Kingsmead today.

The Super Giants followed up their opening DLS victory over MI Cape Town with another polished performance in a high-scoring clash with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Gqeberha over the weekend.

The DSG power-packed batting unit acquire every advance out firing from ball one with Mathew Breetzke, JJ Smuts, Nicholas Pooran and Heinrich Klaasen among the runs.

Klaasen is currently striking at an incredible 239.02 with Smuts (197.36), Pooran (182.05) and Breetzke (154.71) not far behind.

It may be an ominous sign for JSK that its only superstar opener, Quinton de Kock, is yet to earn his straps and could be due a immense score.

“It’s always marvelous to see the energy on the field from the boys, and even better to see everyone putting their hand up when the opportunity comes. This is a remarkable way to start the tournament,” said Super Giants captain Keshav Maharaj.

JSK, meanwhile, will be hoping for a change in fortunes rather quickly.

Faf du Plessis’s team are on the board with two points after their abandoned match against SEC in Gqeberha, but ran straight into a rampant MI Cape Town opening pair of Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton at the Wanderers last Saturday.

The pair posted a record 200-run opening stand which unfortunately, the Super Kings, could not recover from as their innings folded.

JSK coach Stephen Fleming believes his team suffered from a touch of anxiety but will be ready for the next game at Kingsmead.

“There was a puny nervousness around the team. We were anxious to start well. We maintain a lot to work on, but we believe a much clearer position on how we need to shift,” Fleming said.

It is also a return to a satisfied hunting ground for JSK’s Donovan Ferreira. The big-hitting right-hander announced himself to the Betway SA20 audience in Season 1 with a sparkling 82 not out off 40 balls and 1/28 in the corresponding fixture at Kingsmead last year.

Equally, Ferreira went on to design an impressive Proteas T20I debut at the same venue and is hoping for a repeat performance on Monday evening.

“My debut was against Australia at Kingsmead, and I scored 48. I obviously just try to secure my team in a marvelous position,” Ferreira said.

“SA20 is a qualified platform to start off the novel year and to reach my full potential and try to dominate as much as possible.”

The match starts at 17h30 (SAST).

Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets for the remaining league matches to ensure they don’t miss out on the world-class cricket and entertainment. Tickets are available at www.SA20.co.za

FULL SQUADS FOR KINGSMEAD

Durban’s Super Giants: Keshav Maharaj (captain), Noor Ahmad, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Mayers, Wiaan Mulder, Naveen-ul-Haq Murid, Bryce Parsons, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Dwaine Pretorius, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jon-Jon Smuts, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen, Reece Topley.

Joburg Super Kings: Faf du Plessis (captain), Moeen Ali, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Sam Cook, Leus du Plooy, Donovan Ferreira, Dayyaan Galiem, Reeza Hendricks, Ronan Herrmann, Zahir Khan, Wayne Madsen, Sibonelo Makhanya, Aaron Phangiso, Romario Shepherd, Kyle Simmonds, Imran Tahir, David Wiese, Lizaad Williams.

Match officials: 

Referee: Shandre Fritz

On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Mazizi Gampu

TV umpire: Babalo Gcuma

Reserve umpire: Ryan Hendricks

Source: cricket.co.za

Temba Bavuma: Temba Bavuma is the current captain of the South African ODI and T20 national teams and a talented right-handed batsman. Initially mentored by Geoffrey Toyana, he was signed up by the Lions. He is the second from his country to score an ODI debut century.