The SA20 league witnessed its first-ever Super Over contest, and it delivered a New Year's Day classic for the ages. In a heart-stopping finish at the iconic Wanderers Stadium, the Joburg Super Kings (JSK) edged past the Durban's Super Giants (DSG) in a match that will be etched in the tournament's history books.
A Tie That Sent The Bullring Into Raptures
After both teams finished their allotted 20 overs locked at 205 runs apiece, the match headed into a decisive Super Over. The regulation match concluded in breathtaking fashion, with JSK wicketkeeper Donovan Ferreira producing an ice-cold run-out of DSG's Eathan Bosch off the very last ball to trigger wild celebrations in the stands, known as the 'Bullring'.
Gleeson's Nerve and Rossouw's Blitz Seal The Deal
Tasked with defending in the Super Over, JSK's Richard Gleeson showed remarkable composure. After an early reprieve when Evan Jones was dropped at long-off, Gleeson regrouped superbly. He conceded just five runs and then ran out Jones off the final delivery to put his team firmly in control.
The chase was swift and brutal. Rilee Rossouw stepped up and smashed two boundaries off spinner Noor Ahmad, finishing the contest in just two balls. This victory propelled the Joburg Super Kings to the top of the SA20 table, making them the competition's only unbeaten side so far.
Key Performances That Built The Thriller
The foundation for JSK's imposing total of 205 for 4 was laid by a blistering opening stand. Captain Faf du Plessis (47 off 30 balls) and Matthew de Villiers (38 off 26) put on 89 runs in just 8.4 overs. The innings was then anchored by Shubham Ranjane, who scored his maiden SA20 half-century. The USA international remained unbeaten on a fluent 50 off 31 deliveries.
The late fireworks were provided by Donovan Ferreira, who smashed an unbeaten 33 off just 10 balls. His explosive knock, which included a decisive 49-run stand with Ranjane off only 16 balls, proved crucial in reaching the 200-plus total.
For Durban's Super Giants, the spin duo fought back valiantly. Noor Ahmad was exceptional, returning figures of 3 for 12 in his four overs, while Simon Harmer was economical with 1 for 22. However, their seamers struggled at the death, leaking crucial runs.
In reply, DSG's chase was kept alive by a fiery partnership between Aiden Markram and Evan Jones, who added 60 runs off a mere 24 balls. Markram's dismissal triggered a collapse, but late strikes from Gleeson and a tense final over from Wiaan Mulder set the stage for the dramatic tie and the subsequent Super Over.
Brief Scores:
- Joburg Super Kings: 205/4 in 20 overs (Shubham Ranjane 50*, Faf du Plessis 47; Noor Ahmad 3/12).
- Durban's Super Giants: 205/8 in 20 overs (Evan Jones 43, Aiden Markram 37; Richard Gleeson 3/41).
- Super Over: Durban's Super Giants: 5/1; Joburg Super Kings: 8/0.
