The home crowd would be elated with the result as Durban's Super Giants (DSG) drubbed Paarl Royals (PR) by 27 runs at Kingsmead. The Super Giants registered their second consecutive win in SA20 2023, climbing to the third place on the points table joint with Pretoria Capitals.
Skipper Quinton de Kock called it right at the toss and opted to bat first on a sunny day in Durban. De Kock dropped himself to No.3 as DSG came out to bat with Kyle Mayers and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.
Mayers picked up where he left off on Friday, slapping offie Imran Manack for boundaries on the initial two deliveries. The divine form of Mayers got the assistance of Mulder in the middle, with the Super Giants racing to 62 for none in 5.4 overs. Mayers (39) departed after playing his part in the powerplay.
De Kock (57) joined hands with Mulder (42) to extend the run-fest against the Royals. DSG batters kept an eye on the run rate as the scorecard read 99 for one after 10 overs. Both batters departed after making an ample amount of contributions to the total. Heinrich Klaasen entered at the perfect time to unleash the big one. The Protea glovesman began the fireworks and reached his fifty in 19 balls, doing most of the damage in the 20th over (26 runs). Klaasen's six sixes at the death helped DSG post 216 in 20 overs.
English compatriots Jason Roy (33) and Jos Buttler began the chase for Paarl Royals. Their countryman Reece Topley struck early to remove Buttler. Paarl batters took the scoreboard to 55 for one in the powerplay, making it tough for DSG bowlers.
The tide turned in the 7th over as Dwaine Pretorius struck twice in to dismiss Wihan Lubbe (18) and skipper David Miller. The Super Giants' go-to spinner Prenelan Subrayen castled Roy in the eighth over, paving the way for another Englishman, Eoin Morgan.
Dane Vilas (44) and Morgan (64) added 114 runs off 61 balls to keep the Royals' chase alive but fell 27 short of the target at the end. The Super Giants reduced PR to 189/8 in 20 overs. Paarl Royals were in the chase till the time Eoin Morgan was in, but apart from him, there was little from the other batters.
DSG fired again in the powerplay
All-rounders Kyle Mayers and Wiaan Mulder rushed after the bowlers from ball one. Making the most of the powerplay, DSG added 63 runs in six overs.
De Kock, Klaasen add quick fifties
Skipper de Kock and Klaasen provided the goods at the right moment to cruise DSG past 200. Klaasen's four sixes in the 20th over made the difference in the game.
Topley, Pretorius share five wickets among them
Dwaine Pretorius and Reece Topley took five wickets between them to hinder the Royals' chase. Topley removed Buttler early inside the powerplay to halt their progress.
Subrayen keeps it economical yet again
Prenelan Subrayen was excellent in his two overs conceding just ten runs and picking up the wicket of Jason Roy. De Kock's tactical move on Sunday afternoon to use only three overs of spin worked well for DSG.
