2024, SA20

Klaasen and Mulder propel Durban Super Giants into the final

An authoritative batting showcase propelled Durban Super Giants into the final of the SA20 tournament, leaving their hosts Joburg Super Kings in the dust.

Played under optimal batting conditions at the Wanderers, the Super Giants amassed a formidable total of 211 runs before overwhelming their opponents with a commanding 69-run victory.

At the forefront of this onslaught were two explosive half-centuries from Heinrich Klaasen (74 off 30) and Wiaan Mulder (50* off 23), following the Super Kings’ decision to field first after winning the toss.

Despite a promising start from the Super Kings’ bowlers, who claimed two early wickets while conceding just 46 runs in the powerplay, a stellar cameo from Bhanuka Rajapaksa set the stage for a relentless assault.

Rajapaksa’s aggressive innings, featuring six boundaries in a brisk 23-ball knock of 35, provided the perfect platform for Klaasen and Mulder to unleash their fury.

The 15th over, bowled by Imran Tahir, proved to be the turning point as Mulder hammered a six and set the stage for Klaasen’s explosive onslaught, smashing 6, 6, 4, 6 to accumulate 29 runs in the over.

From a modest 15 off 13 balls, Klaasen blazed his way to a blistering half-century off just 22 balls, and the onslaught continued with three consecutive sixes in another 29-run over, as Klaasen and Mulder dismantled the Super Kings’ bowling attack during the death overs.

In the final analysis, the visitors plundered 102 runs in the last six overs, with Mulder also reaching his half-century off the last ball of the innings in just 23 balls.

The Super Kings’ pursuit of the imposing target faltered early on as they lost three wickets in the powerplay and never recovered.

Despite valiant efforts from Moeen Ali, Donnovan Ferreira, and Doug Bracewell in the middle overs, their contributions were insufficient to mount a serious challenge.

Junior Dala’s devastating spell, which yielded four wickets, sealed the Super Giants’ emphatic victory.

With this commanding win, the Super Giants have booked their spot in the final, where they will face defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape.