DURBAN, JAN 11 : In a nail-biting finish, Durban’s Super Giants secured a dramatic two-run victory over Pretoria Capitals in the Betway SA20 match at Kingsmead on Friday.

The high-octane encounter saw standout performances from both sides, leaving fans at the edge of their seats.

Kane Williamson anchored the Super Giants’ innings with an unbeaten 60, while Wiaan Mulder’s blistering 45 not out off just 19 balls propelled the team to a formidable total of 209/4. The new opening duo of Matthew Breetzke (33 off 20) and Bryce Parsons (47 off 28) gave the hosts a robust start.

In response, Pretoria’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, making his SA20 debut, played a scintillating knock of 89 off 43 balls, supported by Will Jacks’ aggressive 64 off 35. Their 154-run opening stand placed Pretoria in a commanding position, but the Super Giants’ bowlers clawed their way back into the game.

Young spinner Noor Ahmad delivered crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Gurbaz and Jacks in quick succession, finishing with figures of 2/34. Naveen-ul-Haq, tasked with defending 14 runs in the final over, held his nerve, conceding just a leg-bye on the last ball to seal a memorable win for Durban.

Senuran Muthusamy was Pretoria’s standout bowler, taking 3/21 and halting Durban’s momentum with timely dismissals of Parsons and Quinton de Kock. Liam Livingstone also chipped in by removing Heinrich Klaasen for a duck, putting additional pressure on Durban’s middle order.

The turnaround was orchestrated by Williamson and Mulder, who combined to steer the innings out of early trouble. The decisive moments unfolded in the last over when Kyle Verreynne and Steve Stolk brought Pretoria tantalisingly close, only for Naveen-ul-Haq to deliver a masterclass in death bowling.

Gurbaz’s fiery 22-ball half-century, featuring seven towering sixes, stood out as one of the match’s highlights. Meanwhile, a dropped catch off Williamson’s bat proved pivotal, allowing the Super Giants to capitalise.