Heinrich Klaasen’s Explosive Knock Propels Durban Super Giants to SA20 Final

Heinrich Klaasen played a sensational innings to lead Durban's Super Giants to their maiden SA20 final with a convincing 69-run victory over Joburg Super Kings in Qualifier 2 at the Wanderers.

Klaasen’s blistering knock of 74 runs from just 30 balls, supported by Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 50 off 23 balls, powered Durban’s Super Giants to a commanding total of 211/6. Making his debut in the competition, Bhanuka Rajapaksa also contributed with a solid 35 off 23 balls.

The Super Kings’ bowlers initially had success by reducing Durban to 94/4, with Nandre Burger taking two wickets. However, Klaasen and Mulder then unleashed a devastating partnership of 101 runs in just 38 balls, taking the game away from the Super Kings.

In their run chase, the Super Kings heavily relied on their captain Faf du Plessis, but when he was dismissed early, their task became even more difficult. Despite cameos from Moeen Ali, Reeza Hendricks, and Donovan Ferreira, the Super Kings couldn’t match the sheer force of Klaasen’s earlier innings.

With this outstanding performance, Klaasen has now become the second-highest run-scorer in the SA20 tournament with 447 runs. He needs 84 runs in the upcoming final to surpass MI Cape Town‘s Ryan Rickelton and claim the top spot.

The Durban Super Giants’ bowlers displayed an excellent all-round performance, led by Junior Dala with figures of 4/38, supported by Naveen and Dwaine Pretorius with two wickets each. The highlight of the fielding effort was a spectacular catch by Naveen-ul-Haq at mid-off.

After losing in Qualifier 1 against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the Super Giants traveled to Johannesburg for Qualifier 2. Now, they will return to Cape Town for the much-awaited final, facing the Sunrisers once again at Newlands on Saturday.