Durban Super Giants Pull Off a Last-Minute Win: The Thriller You Can't Miss!
What a game! The SA20 action kicked off with a bang as Durban Super Giants squared off against Pretoria Capitals in a match that had us all glued to the screen. From breathless highs to tense lows, this match had everything that makes T20 cricket so exciting. It looked like Pretoria had it in the bag, but the Super Giants pulled off a dramatic win that no one saw coming!
Player of the Match – Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Hero in a Losing Cause
Even though Durban Super Giants emerged victorious, the Player of the Match award went to Pretoria Capitals’ opener, Rahmanullah Gurbaz. His blistering 89 off just 48 balls was an absolute treat to watch. Along with his partner Jacks, Gurbaz took the game to the Super Giants, keeping the scoreboard ticking with effortless boundaries and stunning sixes. He was on fire, and for a while, it looked like he would power Pretoria to a big win.
Unfortunately for him, his luck ran out when he holed out, and that’s when the game began to shift. Still, his innings was the highlight of the night, and despite the loss, he wasn’t shy in giving credit to his performance. “I try to play well against Noor Ahmad because he’s one of the best bowlers, but unfortunately, he got me out today. Hopefully, I can hit him for sixes in the next game,” said Gurbaz after the match.
Key Knocks – Jacks and Gurbaz Set the Stage, But Super Giants’ Bowlers Steal the Show
While Gurbaz was the star, Jacks was equally impressive, blasting his way to a brilliant 50. The duo’s opening stand had Pretoria looking all set to chase down the 209 runs posted by Durban. But as the game wore on, the Super Giants’ bowlers began to tighten the screws.
Naveen played a key role in turning the game around with an incredible 18th over, where he removed Neesham and kept the runs to just four. But it was Noor Ahmad, the chinaman bowler, who made the game-changing impact by taking out both Gurbaz and Jacks. His crucial wickets were a turning point, and his control over the middle overs made life tough for the visitors.
With Pretoria needing 21 off 18 balls, the momentum swung in the Super Giants’ favour. Keshav Maharaj then bowled a brilliant penultimate over, getting Livingstone out and leaving Pretoria with too much to do. Naveen finished the job, defending 14 runs in the final over and sealing a dramatic win.
What the Captains Had to Say:
Durban’s captain, Keshav Maharaj, was all praise for his team, especially the bowlers. “At Kingsmead, it’s not over till it’s over. Wickets can fall in clusters, and our bowlers really stepped up today. Noor was brilliant, and the fielders were buzzing with energy. The support from the crowd was electric, and hopefully, they continue backing us like this.”
On the other hand, Pretoria’s captain Rilee Rossouw expressed disappointment but took responsibility. “It hurts a lot to lose like that, especially when we were so close. We lost track towards the end, and it was a tough pill to swallow. Credit to Jacks and Gurbaz, they played brilliant innings. On my captaincy, I’ve always wanted to lead, and I hope I can guide the boys better next time.”
Points Table After the Game:
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI Cape Town | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +4.850 |
| Durban’s Super Giants | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +0.100 |
| Pretoria Capitals | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -0.100 |
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -4.850 |
The Takeaway:
This was a classic T20 encounter that proves why this format is so unpredictable. Pretoria came close, but it was the Super Giants who kept their cool in the final overs to steal the win. A game that had everything—big knocks, thrilling twists, and an unforgettable finish.
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s double-header to see who else can take the crown in this fast-paced tournament.
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