Joburg Super Kings have begun their SA20 2025-26 season with real authority. Back-to-back victories in their opening two outings have put them firmly in contention to the title. Their latest win against Durban’s Super Giants came with a valuable bonus point as well. After defeating Pretoria Capitals in Centurion earlier in the campaign, JSK’s clinical performance in Durban showed balance across batting, bowling and fielding that bodes well for the weeks ahead.
The Kingsmead surface was far from straightforward. It was slow and sluggish, making run-scoring tricky for batters on both sides. Durban’s Super Giants, opting to bat first, were never able to fully take advantage of the conditions. They were bundled out for just 86 in 17.1 overs, with a mix of tight bowling and clinical death bowling applied by the Super Kings attack. JSK’s bowlers never allowed the home side to settle, turning what could have been a competitive total into a sub-par score.
Subrayen, Gleeson shine with ball in hand
Allrounder Prenelan Subrayen was the standout with the ball and was rightly named Player of the Match. The veteran South African produced an incisive spell of 3 for 16 in four overs, unsettling the Super Giants’ top order and triggering a series of weak links throughout their lineup.
Subrayen’s accuracy and use of pace variations kept the batters in check on a surface that was far from easy to bat on. His performance was backed up by Richard Gleeson, who claimed 3 for 2, effectively amplifying the pressure and choking any potential scoring rhythm for Durban. Together, they ensured DSG never got going beyond the powerplay.
The top order of DSG offered brief resistance, with Aiden Markram (22) and Evan Jones (15) contributing some early runs, but the lack of partnerships proved fatal. JSK’s disciplined bowling attack did not allow any partnership to flourish, restricting the hosts well below par — a hard total to defend on any surface.
When JSK came out to chase, they handled the surface with far greater composure. Captain Faf du Plessis and Matthew De Villiers fell cheaply, but that early wobble did not derail the chase. Rilee Rossouw stood tall under pressure with a measured 43 off 32 balls, anchoring the innings and keeping the required rate manageable on a tricky track. Rossouw’s timing and shot selection highlighted his experience and comfort in challenging conditions.
Rossow to the rescue
The key partnership emerged between Rossouw and Shubham Ranjane. Their 51-run stand off 36 balls effectively took the game away from the hosts, reducing the run chase to a formality. Ranjane’s calm support and Rossouw’s aggression ensured JSK reached 88 for 4 in just 12.2 overs, earning the bonus point with almost eight overs to spare. Utility players such as Donovan Ferreira also contributed with quick lower-order runs that kept momentum firmly with the Super Kings.
Subrayen’s all-round impact earned him the Player of the Match award, but this was a collective effort. The bowlers set it up, and the batters finished it with calm efficiency. It was a textbook example of a team performance on a tricky surface.
What this victory means for JSK goes beyond the win column. With two wins from two matches and a bonus point already banked, they sit near the top of the SA20 points table, giving them early breathing room in a season where momentum matters.
With confidence growing and several players finding form early, Joburg Super Kings look well-placed to remain at the top and push for finals contention.
