SA20 Weekly: Century, 49 all-out and a Super (Over) New Year

An aggregate of 449 runs, an individual century, and 25 sixes at Newlands kicked off the season. Durban Super Giants and MI Cape Town provided a thrilling start, with MI Cape Town nearly chasing down DSG's 232/5. Ryan Rickelton smashed a 63-ball 113 in the chase, supported by Jamie Smith's 14-ball 41, but it wasn't enough to secure a win.

The ignominy of 49 all-out

Paarl Royals set an unwanted record for the lowest SA20 total, dismissed for just 49 in their season opener. Anrich Nortje was instrumental, taking four wickets, including a triple-wicket over that hastened their collapse. Captain David Miller remained optimistic, stating, "It's our first game… I'm actually looking forward to how we bounce back."

The thrill of a Super Over

The Johannesburg Super Kings and Durban Super Giants delivered a classic on New Year's Day, tying at 200 runs each and forcing a Super Over. Key performances included Faf du Plessis's PowerPlay blitz, Shubham Ranjane's 50 off 31, and Donovan Ferreira's 33* off 10. The chase saw late drama, with DSG needing 19 off 12 but managing only four runs in the penultimate over. Eathan Bosch hit a six to bring the equation to 7 off 2, but a run-out on the final ball forced the Super Over. Richard Gleeson's excellent over restricted DSG to just five runs, which JSK easily chased.

Rain, rain didn't go away

Rain has disrupted matches in Durban, Johannesburg, and Centurion, with Durban Super Giants involved in two washouts, each earning a point.

Early Season Standings

After 10 games (including three washouts), Ryan Rickelton leads the batting charts with 182 runs at a strike rate of 182, topping both fours (14) and sixes (14) counts. Sunrisers Eastern Cape's Ottneil Baartman leads the bowling with 9 wickets, followed by Richard Gleeson with 8.