The first weekend of the SA20 sees a Saturday double-header followed by a home debut for one of the tournament favourites. James Richardson previews.
Unfortunately the weather hasn’t played along for the start of the tournament, washing out the opener and having an impact on match two in Durban as well. Here’s hoping this weekend’s SA20 fixtures aren’t weather-affected affairs.
Saturday 13 January 2024
Joburg Super Kings 92/100 | MI Cape Town 92/100
The Super Kings didn’t get to start their campaign in midweek in the end, but they at least took a point away from a wet St George’s Park.
MI Cape Town put up over 200 runs in Durban and came away empty-handed thanks to being battered in a reduced chase.
Ryan Rickelton made a statement with his first knock of the tournament but will want to back that up, and coming back to his franchise home ground in MI Cape Town colours will add extra motivation.
The Super Kings have some dangerous overseas players and lethal local hitters, too, but will MI Cape Town get the jump on them, having played already?
Verdict: MI Cape Town 92/100
There were plenty of positive signs down in Durban for the Cape franchise. They’ll have the edge here.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape 21/20| Durban’s Super Giants 82/100
The Sunrisers also got a point for their troubles in their first match which didn’t see any play at all.
DSG took the tournament by the scruff of the neck thanks to one of Heinrich Klaasen’s special T20 knocks.
There might be a little concern within the DSG camp with just how much was left to Klaasen.
The Sunrisers were a team built around lots of contributions and that style has suited the way St George’s Park plays.
Verdict: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
I’m leaning toward an excellent Sunrisers outfit to get the job done in front of their home support.
Sunday 14 January
Pretoria Capitals 92/100 | Paarl Royals 92/100
In a rematch of the Friday night clash, it’s the Pretoria Capitals hosting the Paarl Royals in the big Sunday showdown.
This will be the first match at home for the Capitals, who have one of the venues that really got rocking in the 2023 campaign.
The Capitals had their hitting power blunted by the clever medium pace of Andile Phehlukwayo and spin of Tabraiz Shamsi.
Lungi Ngidi will be back at SuperSport Park in the colours of the Royals and could be the ace up the visitors’ sleeve.
Verdict: Paarl Royals 92/100
The Royals should get the job done against a team they bested in convincing fashion a few days ago.
