Durban’s Super Giants sent out a clear statement in the SA20 2026 opener, piling up 232/5 against defending champions MI Cape Town at Newlands. The main feature in the MICT vs DSG highlights was the unmistakable intent of the Durban’s Super Giants batters on a surface rated closer to 170–175. DSG’s batting depth, relentless intent and a few crucial lapses in the field combined to produce their second-highest total ever in SA20 history.
A glance at the key MICT vs DSG highlights from the SA20 2026 opener at Newlands.
Rashid Khan was at the centre of the innings’ turning points. He pulled off a sensational running catch to dismiss Kane Williamson, sprinting back from mid-off and completing a full-length dive, one of the catches of the tournament already.
But the night swung the other way soon after. Rashid misjudged a straightforward chance at cover to give Aiden Markram a life, and later failed to hold on to a difficult but catchable opportunity off Heinrich Klaasen. Both moments proved expensive, allowing DSG to maintain momentum through the middle overs. Rashid ended wicketless (4-0-44-0), and MI Cape Town never quite clawed control back after those misses.
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What truly separated this innings was how every DSG batter who walked in kept the scoring rate brutal. Seven batters batted, all striking above 150, with five of them operating at over 180, a level of sustained aggression that left MI Cape Town grappling for the right bowlers.
DSG plundered 69 runs in the last five overs, transforming a dominant start into a record-level finish. The end result underlined just how clinical their batting effort was and gave them early control in the SA20 opener.
Ryan Rickelton’s career-best 113 may have come in defeat, but its timing could not be more important. With Mumbai Indians signing Quinton de Kock at the IPL 2026 auction, Rickelton’s place at the top of MI’s order is no longer guaranteed.
SA20 was always expected to double up as an audition window, and Rickelton responded with authority at his favourite venue.The innings showcased both power and control — 11 sixes, sharp placement against spin, and the ability to hold tempo deep into the chase. He was let off by a Kwena Maphaka no-ball that saw him being dismissed for 85, but did very little wrong otherwise and might have ended the night on the winning side had he found some support after Jason Smith’s dismissal.
While SA20 form does not directly dictate IPL roles, a strong tournament could keep Rickelton firmly in contention as an opener rather than being pushed into a secondary role or rotation option.
MI Cape Town’s batting order on the night raised eyebrows. Reeza Hendricks, at his best as an opener, came in at No.3, while Nicholas Pooran, one of the most destructive No.3 batters in T20 cricket, was held back until No.5. There’s little they can do to solve where Reeza Hendricks bats given that the openers are a lock, but they need to utilise Pooran better.
The reshuffle worked in patches but left MICT chasing momentum rather than dictating it. However, Jason Smith’s 41 off 14 balls may provide a solution going forward. His clean striking and composure against pace and spin position him as a genuine finishing option alongside George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Dwaine Pretorius and Rashid Khan.
He had pulled off an amazing run-chase for the Dolphins in the CSA T20 Challenge last month and his fine form will solve a huge headache for MICT.
That depth could allow MICT to restore Pooran closer to No.4, where he can have greater impact and dictate the flow of the batting innings without the pressure of an inflated required run rate.
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