In a highly anticipated rematch of the season opener, the fourth match of the SA20 2025-26 season between Durban’s Super Giants and MI Cape Town ended in a frustrating “No Result” at Kingsmead on December 28, 2025. Despite a promising start from the home side’s openers, a persistent coastal downpour forced the match to be abandoned after just four overs of play, leaving fans and players alike wondering what could have been a high-scoring thriller.
The Toss and Pitch Conditions
The evening began under heavy grey skies and a noticeable coastal wind at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision heavily influenced by the overcast conditions and the looming threat of rain. Pitch reports suggested a surface that favored batting first—noting that Kingsmead is historically not an easy ground for chasing—but the atmospheric conditions provided a compelling reason for the visitors to try and exploit any early moisture.
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Super Giants’ Explosive Opening Burst
Durban’s Super Giants took to the crease with intent, looking to replicate their high-scoring form from the tournament’s first game. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson opened the innings and immediately put pressure on the MI Cape Town bowling attack. Conway, in particular, looked in sublime touch, racing to 24 runs off just 13 deliveries. His brief cameo included a flurry of boundaries, specifically one four and two massive sixes that cleared the ropes with ease, operating at a blistering strike rate of 184.62.
At the other end, the veteran Kane Williamson provided steady support, accumulating 12 runs from 11 balls. Williamson struck two boundaries during his stay, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking over at a healthy rate. Together, the pair guided the Super Giants to 37 runs without loss in just 4.0 overs, maintaining a run rate of 9.25. The MI Cape Town bowlers struggled to find their rhythm in the dampening conditions; Trent Boult conceded 22 runs in his two overs, while Karim Janat and Corbin Bosch were unable to make inroads before the heavens opened.
Rain Plays the Spoiler
Just as the match was reaching a crucial juncture in the powerplay, the rain intensified. Umpires Dennis Smith and Siphelele Gasa were forced to call for the covers as the drizzle turned into a steady downpour. While there was a brief hope of a restart—with local reports suggesting the rain might break—the Kingsmead outfield quickly became soaked.
After a lengthy delay and multiple inspections, the officials determined that the ground was no longer fit for play. With only four overs completed, the match fell short of the five-over minimum required to constitute a result under T20 regulations. Consequently, the match was officially abandoned, and both teams were awarded two points each.
Missed Opportunities for Key Players
The abandonment was particularly disappointing for several star players who were waiting in the wings. For the Super Giants, the middle order consisting of Heinrich Klaasen, Jos Buttler, and Aiden Markram never got the chance to build on the solid foundation laid by the openers. On the bowling side, MI Cape Town’s formidable unit, featuring Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, was denied the opportunity to test the Durban batters on a surface that often assists spin as the game progresses.
Looking Ahead in the Tournament
While the “No Result” leaves both teams sharing the spoils, Durban’s Super Giants remain in a strong position following their earlier victory against the same opponents in the season’s inaugural match. For MI Cape Town, the points split is a missed chance to avenge that opening loss, but they will take confidence from the fact that their bowling unit was spared a potentially massive total given the way Conway was striking the ball.
The SA20 continues its rapid schedule, with both teams looking to find consistency as the table begins to take shape. For the fans at Durban, the evening ended in a washout, but the glimpse of Devon Conway’s form suggests that the Super Giants will remain a dominant force at home throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
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