SA20: Klaasen scores 104 to helps DSG post highest total in tournament, keep Semifinal hopes alive
South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen played a crucial role in keeping Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) in contention for a spot in the semifinals of the inaugural SA20 tournament. Klaasen’s 43-ball hundred was instrumental in leading his side to a massive 151-run victory over Pretoria Capitals, taking the team to 19 points, level with Paarl Royals.
Klaasen’s Stellar Performance
Klaasen’s outstanding innings at Centurion entertained the crowd as he remained not out on 104, scoring the runs in just 44 balls. His pyrotechnics consisted of 10 boundaries and half-a-dozen sixes, helping the Super Giants post the highest score in the tournament so far – 254/4.
Dynamic Batting Line-up
DSG arrived at Centurion with a rejigged batting line-up, eager to make an impact. Captain Quinton de Kock and Australian international Ben McDermott provided the early momentum with a 76-run opening partnership in just 6.1 overs. De Kock was the first to depart for 43 off 20 balls, and McDermott carried the momentum forward with Klaasen. The latter was promoted to No. 3 and the pair added 40 more runs off just 20 balls.
Klaasen went into overdrive mode, combining with Wiaan Mulder to add another 54 runs in 24 balls. Matthew Breetzke then joined Klaasen for the final six overs and the pair added 84 runs off 36 deliveries. Breetzke (46 not out off 21 balls) also displayed his class with a couple of thunderous sixes.
Disappointing Show by the Capitals
Despite a large turnout of supporters, the Capitals’ batting unit failed to live up to the expectations in the run chase, folding for just 103 runs. Junior Dala was the most successful bowler for the Super Giants with figures of 3/33, while Dwaine Pretorius and Mulder claimed two wickets each.
DSG moved to 19 points on the SA20 Points Table, but were unable to surpass Sunrisers Eastern Cape on net-run rate, leaving Aiden Markram’s team to join the Capitals and Joburg Super Kings in the semifinals. The fate of the Super Giants and Paarl Royals, who also have 19 points, will be decided on Tuesday at Centurion after the match between the Capitals and Paarl Royals.
In conclusion, Durban’s Super Giants kept their semi-final hopes alive with a dominant performance, led by Klaasen’s superb ton. The rejigged batting line-up provided the much-needed momentum, and Klaasen’s pyrotechnics helped the team post the highest score of the tournament so far. Despite the disappointing show by the Capitals, the future of the SA20 tournament remains exciting.
