Durban’s Super Giants rose to the occasion when it mattered most, delivering a statement performance in our last league-phase match of SA20 2026 with a commanding 58-run victory over Paarl Royals at Kingsmead.
In a must-win encounter, the team showed character, clarity and class, also pocketing a crucial bonus point to keep the playoffs conversation alive.
The day belonged to Captain Aiden Markram, who produced a knock for the ages. In front of an electric home crowd, Markram was simply unstoppable, smashing a mesmerising 108 off just 58 deliveries.
Timing, placement and power flowed effortlessly as he peppered the boundary ropes with 12 fours and five towering sixes, scoring at will and setting the tone from the outset.
Markram found able support from the middle order, with Heinrich Klaasen playing a brisk hand of 29 off 21 balls, while Liam Livingstone added late momentum with a punchy 19 off 11. Their contributions ensured we finished strong, posting a competitive 189/7 on the board.
Defending the total, our bowlers were right on the money. The spinners took charge, refusing to let the Paarl batters settle. Sunil Narine led with two wickets, while Markram, Livingstone and Simon Harmer chipped in with one apiece to apply relentless pressure and reduce the visitors to 68/6.
The fast bowlers then closed the door firmly. Kwena Maphaka impressed with figures of 1/10, while Gerald Coetzee capped off the effort with 2/31, as Paarl Royals were restricted to 131/9 in their 20 overs.
The emphatic win earns us a bonus point, lifting us to fourth place with 19 points. Now, with belief renewed, we await favourable results elsewhere for a spot in the SA20 2026 Playoffs.
