Heinrich Klaasen's 85 propels Durban Super Giants to win in SA20 opener

Heinrich Klaasen's 85 propels Durban Super Giants to win in SA20 opener

In a rain-affected SA20 thriller, Heinrich Klaasen's explosive 85-run innings led Durban Super Giants to a 11-run win against MI Cape Town on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, MI Cape Town posted an imposing total of 207/5, powered by a splendid half-century from Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton formed a crucial 87-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, providing Cape Town with a solid foundation. Van der Dussen contributed with a 20-ball 24 before departing.

Despite Dewald Brewis (5) and Connor Esterhuizen (17) falling cheaply, Rickelton single-handedly kept the scoreboard ticking. His solid knock came to a close just 13 runs short of a century, finishing as the top-scorer with 87 off 51 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and six sixes. Skipper Kieron Pollard's quick 31-run cameo at the end added valuable runs.

Durban Super Giants, tasked with chasing a daunting 208, reached 177/6 in 16.3 overs before rain intervened. Klaasen's stellar 85 runs off 35 deliveries, including four boundaries and eight sixes, played a pivotal role in the home side's triumph. Matthew Breetzke contributed with a noteworthy 24-ball 39.

MI Cape Town's Kagiso Rabada picked up two wickets, while Liam Livingstone, Olly Stone, Sam Curran, and Beuran Hendricks claimed one scalp each.

The rain came as a relief for Durban Super Giants, who were 11 runs ahead of the DLS par score, marking a victorious start to their SA20 campaign.

In this high-scoring encounter, Klaasen's explosive innings and Rabada's impactful bowling set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating season of cricket in the SA20 tournament.

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