Heinrich Klaasen smashed an unbeaten 50 off 19 balls as Durban’s Super Giants beat the Paarl Royals by 27 runs at Kingsmead on Sunday.
Royals duo Eoin Morgan and Dane Vilas posted 114 runs for the fifth wicket, but it was not enough as they fell short of hauling in the Super Giants’ 216-4.
The game-changer was Morgan’s run-out for 64 off 37 balls (two fours, five sixes) when Wiaan Mulder neatly collected a return from Simon Harmer to dislodge the bails with the Royals requiring 40 runs off the final three overs.
Eoin Morgan's run out was the game-changer in this thrilling clash. #Betway #SA20 #DSGvPR | @Betway_India pic.twitter.com/7TgWMkWomP
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 15, 2023
Vilas was still at the crease, but the loss of Evan Jones immediately after Morgan’s dismissal stemmed the momentum even further. But when Vilas also departed for 44 off 30 balls shortly afterwards, the Super Giants were assured of the match points.
HIGHLIGHTS: Durban’s Super Giants vs Paarl Royals
The Kingsmead crowd were treated to spectacular entertainment for the second consecutive match after the home team’s batsmen were in superb form early on.
Klaasen blasted the fastest fifty of the tournament thus far, off just 19 balls. The onslaught included three successive sixes in Ferisco Adams’ final over to swing the momentum firmly in the Super Giants’ favour.
The sun may be out at Kingsmead but it was raining 6's off the @DurbansSG bats. #SA20 #Betway | @betway_india pic.twitter.com/WLRKBObZdX
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 15, 2023
Klaasen was able to play with such freedom due to the platform that was set up by the Super Giants’ new-look opening pair of Kyle Mayers and Mulder.
Mayers set the tone up front with 39 off 23 balls and Mulder contributed 44 off 33 in his new role as the pair put on 62 in just 6.5 overs.
6!! Wiaan Mulder has enjoyed his promotion to open the batting for @DurbansSG. #SA20 #Betway | @Betway_India pic.twitter.com/D8Nu2Ki82H
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 15, 2023
Mayers’ dismissal brought Quinton de Kock to the crease at No 3 and the innings gained further momentum with the skipper in a belligerent mood.
De Kock timed the ball sweetly from the outset as he utilised the reverse sweep to good effect against the Royals spinners as he moved confidently to 57 off 31 balls.
It required an excellent diving catch from Jones at point to send the Super Giants skipper back to the pavilion.
MR JONES… What a catch from Evan Jones to send the dangerous Quinton de Kock back to the pavilion. #SA20 #Betway | @betway_india pic.twitter.com/EOOOZPX8C8
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 15, 2023
Klaasen then wielded his willow freely at the backend of the innings with his final over onslaught proving to be the difference.
These two teams will meet again on Tuesday at Boland Park.
