Rickelton’s 113 Not Enough as DSG Edge MICT in SA20 Run-Fest

The fourth edition of the SA20 began in dramatic fashion at Newlands, where Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) stunned defending champions MI Cape Town (MICT) by 15 runs in a high-scoring thriller on Friday night.

In a match that produced a staggering 449 runs — the second-highest aggregate in SA20 history — DSG successfully defended 232 for 7, holding their nerve at the death despite a brilliant century from Ryan Rickelton.

DSG set the tone with the bat

DSG’s imposing total was built on a solid 96-run opening partnership between Devon Conway and Kane Williamson. The all-New Zealand pairing weathered early movement from Trent Boult before accelerating through the powerplay to reach 68 without loss. Conway went on to make 64, while Williamson anchored the innings until he fell to Rashid Khan, who took a spectacular running catch over his shoulder.

MICT briefly fought back by taking three wickets for 41 runs, but DSG regained momentum through a series of explosive cameos. Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram added 32 off 19 balls, Markram and Evan Jones put on 34 off 18, and Jones combined with David Wiese for a rapid 29 off just 10 deliveries. Those late surges lifted DSG beyond the 230 mark.

Markram, reprieved by three dropped chances from Rashid Khan, made the most of his luck with a 35-run contribution that proved crucial.

Rickelton leads the chase

Chasing the highest successful total in SA20 history, MICT were rocked early by the loss of Rassie van der Dussen for 22. The responsibility then fell on Ryan Rickelton, who produced a stunning innings at his favourite ground.

Rickelton smashed 113 off 63 balls, his highest T20 score, striking 11 sixes — the most in a single SA20 innings. The left-hander shared a 60-run stand with Reeza Hendricks before combining with Jason Smith in a blistering 76-run partnership that kept MICT ahead of DSG’s scoring rate for a time.

Smith, promoted ahead of Nicholas Pooran, justified the decision with a rapid 41 off 14 balls, including six boundaries. At one stage, MICT appeared well placed, needing 75 from the final six overs and just 49 from the last three.

DSG hold their nerve

The momentum shifted dramatically at the death. Young seamers Kwena Maphaka and Eathan Bosch delivered under pressure, conceding only 15 runs while taking three wickets in the final two overs. Despite having six wickets in hand late in the chase, MICT stumbled badly and fell short at 217.

Rickelton, who benefited from a no-ball dismissal and a dropped catch during his innings, was finally out in the closing stages, ending hopes of a remarkable comeback.

Statement win

For DSG — who finished bottom of the table last season — the victory was a major statement to start SA20 2025. For MICT, it was a reminder that even record-breaking individual performances can be undone by missed chances and nerveless bowling at the finish.

Rickelton’s knock, though in a losing cause, will nonetheless reignite discussion around his T20 credentials after a difficult international season.