Williamson and Mulder star in Durban Super Kings’ narrow SA20 victory over Pretoria Capitals

The Durban Super Giants kicked off their SA20 campaign with a thrilling 2-run win over the Pretoria Capitals at Kingsmead Stadium on Friday. The Super Giants posted an impressive 209/4, thanks to the stellar contributions of the New Zealand captain. Kane Williamson (60 undefeated), and a dizzying cameo from Wiaan Mulder (45 not out off 19 balls). Even though the Capitals appeared to be in control for most of the chase, reducing the equation to 21 runs off 19 balls with six wickets in hand, the Afghan duo of Noor Ahmad (2/34) and Naveen-ul- Haq (1/35) turned the tide with a masterful display of death bowling.

Noor landed crucial blows early, denying the Capitals’ early goals. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Will Jacks, while captain Keshav Maharaj removed the dangerous Liam Livingstone in the penultimate over. This left Naveen-ul-Haq defending 14 runs in the final over with teenager Steve Stolk on strike. Stolk rotated the shot, allowing Kyle Verreynne to hit a boundary and reduce the target to four off the last ball. However, Naveen held his nerve, restricting Stolk to a break and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Super Giants faithful.

The Capitals’ chase was boosted by a brilliant 154-run opening stand between Gurbaz and Jacks. Gurbaz, who made his debut in SA20, displayed fearless strokeplay, dismantling both pace and spin with ease. He attacked English seamer Chris Woakes and unleashed a flurry of sweeps against Maharaj, racing to his first SA20 half-century off just 22 balls (2×4, 5×6). Jacks was equally destructive, reaching fifty in 28 balls and smashing five sixes. Gurbaz finally fell with an impressive 89 off 43 balls (3×4, 7×6), caught at the boundary by his compatriot Noor, while Jacks followed soon after with 64 (35 balls, 3×4, 5×6).

Super Giants on the move

Previously, the Super Giants introduced an exciting new starting pairing with Matthew Breetzke and Bryce Parsons. Rising Star Parsons, retained for Season 2, impressed on debut with a boundary-laden 47 off 28 balls (5×4, 2×6), forming a 67-run opening stand with Breetzke in just 6.3 overs. Breetzke, maintaining his form from last season, contributed a spirited 33 off 20 balls (5×4, 1×6), including some eye-catching side-hits reminiscent of Kevin Pietersen.

Senuran Muthusamy’s introduction after the Powerplay stopped the Super Giants’ charge. The experienced left-arm spinner dismissed Breetzke, prompting him to play a misjudged drive towards Rilee Rossouw, and then claimed Parsons and Quinton de Kock to finish with outstanding figures of 3/21. Liam Livingstone added to the Capitals’ momentum by removing the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen for a duck, leaving the Super Giants reeling.

However, a missed catch of Williamson by Gurbaz at a critical moment proved costly. Williamson took advantage of the reprieve and teamed up with Mulder to rebuild the innings. Mulder led the counter-attack with two huge sixes over cover, giving Williamson time to find his rhythm. Once installed, the New Zealand maestro displayed his trademark elegance, anchoring the innings and guiding the Super Giants to a competitive total.