Super Giants opt to bat against MICT in SA20 opener

The Durban Super Giants have won the toss and have decided to bat first against MI Cape Town in the opening match of the fourth edition of the Betway SA20 at WSB Newlands in Cape Town on Thursday afternoon.

The defending champions open their account against their coastal rivals from Durban, having won just one of their previous five encounters – a seven-wicket victory here at Newlands in January this year.

A notable change to the title-winning squad is the loss of Dewald Brevis, who was signed by the Pretoria Capitals for a record fee. However, the hosts pre-signed Nicholas Pooran from the West India to add firepower at the top of the order that includes Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton.

The Super Giants have made a big statement for the new season, signing Aiden Markram, who captained the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back titles in the first two seasons as well as adding the likes of Jos Buttler, Sunil Narine and Devon Conway. The men from Durban have also added the exciting fast bowling talent of Kwena Maphaka and Andile Simelane.

MICT will need to use their home ground advantage to the full if they are to make a winning start to their title-defence. With a very-strong top-order, including Hendricks, Van der Dussen, Pooran and Rickelton, the home side will look to chase down whatever DSG set.

Markram’s experience alongside the explosive batting of Conway, Kane Williamson, Buttler and Heinrich Klassen will give the Super Giants all the confidence they need to set a target in excess of what the defending champions can chase down.

MI CAPE TOWN: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Nicholas Pooran, George Linde, Jason Smith, Corbin Bosch, Dwaine Pretorius, Rashid Khan (capt), Tristan Luss, Trent Boult.

DURBAN SUPER GIANTS: Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Jos Buttler (wk), Aiden Markram (capt), Heinrich Klaasen, Evan Jones, Daivd Wiese, Eathan Bosch, Simon Harmer, Kwena Maphaka, Noor Ahmed.