Joburg Super Kings carry their winning momentum into the new year, registering their third consecutive win in as many games.
Playing their first game at home, they completed a double on DSG, whom they had defeated clinically in the last game. However, this time things were as close as anything could be in cricket, with the match being decided in a Super Over.
Having posted 205, Joburg failed to defend it within 20 overs, as DSG ended up with a similar score on the board. The super over that followed was dominated by JSK, though, first by the bowling of Gleeson, who only allowed five runs to be scored, and later by Rossouw, who ended the game in just 3 balls, with 2 boundaries.
But the game was not as straight forward as this at all. There were ebbs and flows to it, throughout the two innings played by JSK and DSG.
JSK post a competitive total
Batting first at The Wanderers Stadium, Joburg Super Kings posted a strong 205 for 4 in their 20 overs. Captain Faf du Plessis led the charge with 47 off 30, and Matthew De Villiers provided excellent support with 38 off 26.
Shubham Ranjane anchored the lower order with a fluent 50* from 31 balls, while Donovan Ferreira blitzed a quick 33* off just 10 deliveries to push the total past the 200-run mark. The Super Giants bowlers were kept honest, with Noor Ahmad taking 3 for 12 and Simon Harmer chipping in with 1 for 22.
Evan Jones puts up fighting efforts in second ining
In reply, Durban Super Giants matched the 205-run target, finishing on 205 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Key contributions included Evan Jonesβ quick 43 and Aiden Markramβs 37, supported by efforts from Heinrich Klaasen (29) and Kane Williamson (22).
Jonesβ knock stood out among all others in Durban. He was the only reason that the team continued to believe that they could actually win, or even reach the score they eventually did in the game. The kind of intent and clinical hitting he put on display was rare and a joy to watch. 19th
Had he not been dismissed in the 19th over, he would have certainly made sure the game ended in the very same over, while his team required just 19 off 12 balls.
The Super Kingsβ bowlers shared the wickets, with Richard Gleeson claiming 3 scalps and Akeal Hosein picking up 2. The innings remained tight throughout. Mulder did his best to defend the total in the final over but was unable to, and a super over was in order.
Rossouw wins it in Super Over
With the main game tied, a Super Over was played, in which Joburg Super Kings outscored Durban Super Giants to secure the victory. Despite sending in Evans and Buttler,Β DSG could only manage 5 runs. Richard Gleeson deserves every bit of credit here for performing to the fullest in a tough situation.
After failing in the 20 overs before, Rossouw decided to end the game quickly. He swiped the ball in two different directions in 3 deliveries and eventually got his side home with 4 balls to spare.
With this win, JSK are the new table toppers of the season. They are the only unbeaten team in the tournament this season and are en route to another playoff.
