Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 76 not out guided Durban’s Super Giants to an 11-run victory over Joburg Super Kings in their final SA20 match.

In a dramatic final match of the season, Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive batting led Durban’s Super Giants to an 11-run victory over the Joburg Super Kings at Wanderers on Saturday.

The win was the Super Giants’ last opportunity to finish their SA20 campaign with a victory, and they made sure to capitalize on the moment with an exciting display of power-hitting from Klaasen.

After Joburg Super Kings won the toss and opted to field, Durban’s openers got the team off to a steady start, with Matthew Breetzke and Quinton de Kock putting on 39 runs before de Kock was dismissed for 16.

The Super Giants soon found themselves in trouble, with Breetzke (23) run out by Moeen Ali and Marcus Stoinis dismissed for a duck by Lutho Sipamla, leaving Durban at a precarious 39/3.

It was clear that the team needed a recovery, and they found it in the partnership between New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Klaasen.

The two put together a much-needed 64-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but when Williamson fell for 22, Durban’s hopes of a big total began to waver.

Enter Heinrich Klaasen, who took matters into his own hands. The South African wicketkeeper-batsman unleashed a brutal display, smashing an unbeaten 76 off 47 balls, which included three fours and six sixes.

His efforts, along with a valuable 30 not out from Wiaan Mulder, propelled the Super Giants to a competitive total of 173/4 from their 20 overs.

As the rain began to fall, Joburg Super Kings’ target was adjusted to 147 runs from 16 overs. The Super Kings’ chase got off to a disastrous start, as they were reduced to 37/3 in the first Powerplay.

Noor Ahmad was the standout bowler for Durban, picking up three crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Joburg’s big hitters Faf du Plessis and Wiaan Lubbe.

At the halfway point, the Super Kings were in serious trouble, sitting at 68/4, needing 79 runs off 36 balls.

Joburg’s hopes seemed to revive when Donovan Ferreira came to the crease, smashing 51 not out from just 22 balls. His powerful hitting, which included five sixes, gave the Super Kings a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t enough.

The chase ended when Ferreira was dismissed by Dwaine Pretorius, and Durban held on to win by 11 runs.

After the match, Durban captain Keshav Maharaj reflected on the victory, acknowledging that it was always tough to come back after a series of losses but was pleased to see his players step up.

Maharaj highlighted that while their Powerplay had room for improvement, the team showed great character, particularly with the ball.

Joburg captain Faf du Plessis also shared his thoughts on the match, pointing out that the rain delay disrupted their momentum but praised Ahmad’s brilliant bowling.

With both teams having already secured their positions for the playoffs, this match was a valuable consolation win for Durban’s Super Giants, who will look to build on Klaasen’s heroics for future seasons.