Durban’s Super Giants delivered an emphatic statement at Kingsmead on Sunday to become the first team to qualify for the SA20 playoffs.
Coach Lance Klusener’s side overpowered the second-placed Paarl Royals by 125 runs to claim a bonus-win that propelled them to 28 points.
It was a perfect all-round performance from the Super Giants with the batting powered by the competition’s fastest half-century off just 17 balls by Heinrich Klaasen.
The Proteas superstar smashed two boundaries and seven sixes to eclipse the Joburg Super Kings’ Donovan Ferreira’s previous best of 18 balls.
It followed on from Matthew Breetzke’s equally rapid 78 off 43 balls (five fours, six sixes) and Marcus Stoinis’ 38 off 36 balls.
The batting pyrotechnics lifted DSG to an imposing 208-7.
Tabraiz Shamsi (2-20) and Obed McCoy (2-57) were the chief wicket-takers for the Royals, but McCoy suffered at the backend when Klaasen was in full flow.
HIGHLIGHTS: Durban’s Super Giants vs Paarl Royals (SA20)
The Royals were never in the hunt during their run chase, with Reece Topley removing countryman Jos Buttler for just six.
The visitors’ failed to build any momentum as Stoinis and Naveen-ul-Haq also chipped in with a couple of wickets.
This set up the platform for Afghanistan mystery spinner Noor Ahmad to weave his magic.
Ahmad claimed 5-11 in 3.2 overs as he ran through the Royals middle order in rapid fashion.
“I am really proud of the boys,” said DSG captain Keshav Maharaj after the win. “In the last game, it was about identifying plans to batters and staying true to that. Breetzke has been giving us a good start throughout the tournament. Some of the shots he’s playing reminds you of [Herschelle] Gibbs.
“Absolutely special,” said Maharaj of Ahmad’s performance. “He’s always delivered and is a world-class performer which is why we got him here.
“He’s young in his career and has done wonderful things. It’s something we set our eyes on but we’re not going to take our foot off the gas.”
Paarl Royals captain David Miller was not fazed about the defeat as his team remains in second place and primed for a playoff spot.
“Breetzke batted well upfront. It was one of those game and happens in such tournaments. We have five days off to reset,” Miller said.
“Exceptional batting at the back end from Klaasen and the boys. It was difficult to work out where to bowl to Klaasen. The way he’s batting is superb. We’re still second on the table. Nothing to stress too much about.”
Photo: Ron Gaunt/Sportzpics
