By Tim Douglas 
MI Cape Town electrified a sold-out Newlands crowd on Saturday evening, securing a dominant bonus-point win over Durban’s Super Giants. The home team chased down a 150-run target with ease, winning by nine wickets with 5.1 overs to spare and keeping their playoff hopes alive in the SA20 Season 3.
Rickelton and Linde Shine in Commanding Chase
The foundation for MI Cape Town’s emphatic victory was laid by opener Ryan Rickelton, who smashed a brilliant 63 off 41 balls. Partnered by the ever-reliable Rassie van der Dussen (24 off 18 balls), the duo added 75 runs for the first wicket in just over eight overs, easing the pressure on the middle order.
Once the opening stand was broken, Dewald Brevis (26 not out off 16 balls) and George Linde (29 not out off 8 balls) took charge to finish the job in style. Linde, in a particularly devastating mood, hammered four consecutive sixes off Marcus Stoinis, ending the game in thrilling fashion and sending the Newlands crowd into raptures.
Reflecting on the win, MI Cape Town skipper Rashid Khan praised the team’s clinical approach, saying, “We executed our plans perfectly with both bat and ball. The energy at Newlands was incredible, and it motivated us to deliver this performance.”
Klaasen and Williamson Fight in Vain
Despite a shaky start that saw the Super Giants slump to 22/4, Heinrich Klaasen (66 off 43 balls) and Kane Williamson (56 not out off 44 balls) resurrected the innings with a gritty partnership. Their efforts lifted Durban’s Super Giants to a respectable 149/6, but the total proved insufficient against MI Cape Town’s firepower.
The MI Cape Town bowling attack was relentless in the Powerplay, with Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada picking up crucial early wickets. Their disciplined performance ensured the Super Giants were always playing catch-up.
Playoff Hopes on the Line
The victory boosts MI Cape Town’s position on the table as they edge closer to a playoff spot, while the Super Giants find themselves on the brink of elimination. With time running out, Lance Klusener’s team will need a miracle to stay in contention.
Key Performances
- Ryan Rickelton (MI Cape Town): 63 (41 balls)
- George Linde (MI Cape Town): 29* (8 balls), 4 sixes
- Heinrich Klaasen (Durban’s Super Giants): 66 (43 balls)
- Kane Williamson (Durban’s Super Giants): 56* (44 balls)
- Rashid Khan (MI Cape Town): 2/25