Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis entered the record books at the Wanderers on Tuesday evening when he struck the maiden century of the Betway SA20.
It was a scintillating innings that lasted only 58 balls, but yielded 113 electrifying runs. It included eight boundaries and eight sixes.
Du Plessis was the star of the Bullring as he tore into Durban's Super Kings bowling attack. He rolled back the years, played authentic cricket shots and set the Wanderers on light.
Du Plessis had Reeza Hendricks as company for the majority of the innings with the opening pair putting on 157 for the first wicket. Hendricks was very much a supporting act though with the Proteas opener compiling 45 off 46 balls.
The partnership was the perfect platform for the Super Kings to chase down the Super Giants' 178/6 with Du Plessis striking the winning runs with five balls remaining.
The eight-wicket victory reignited the Super Kings Betway SA20 campaign as they leapfrogged MI Cape Town into fourth place.
Unfortunately for the Super Giants their chances of qualifying for the playoffs are now slim as they remain at the foot of the table.
Quinton de Kock's team had given themselves hope through Heinrich Klaasen's 65 off 48 balls and a pair of 28's from West Indian duo Kyle Mayers and Jason Holder at the top and bottom end of the innings.
Maheesh Theekshana (3/30) and Gerald Coetzee (3/21) ensured the Super Giants did not run away entirely.
However, the thousands that streamed into the Wanderers once again would remember this special evening as the night Du Plessis struck the first century of the Betway SA20.
Faf's performance wlll be a reminder to the national selectors that class is permanent. He has looked superior to any other South African batsmen on show and hopefully with a new coach in place we can see him resume his duties in the green and gold.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Tickets for the semi-finals at the Wanderers and Centurion selling fast
Friday, 20 January: The inaugural 2023 Betway SA20 champions will be crowned in front of a full house with tickets for the final at the Wanderers on Saturday, 11 February sold out.
It has been an exhilarating opening half of league matches, with the quality cricket and un-matched stadium experience drawing in fans at all six stadiums across the country.
Tickets for the semi-finals taking place at the Wanderers and Centurion are also selling fast, as the highveld prepares for a feast of thrilling cricket action.
Betway SA20 League Commissioner, Graeme Smith, has commended the cricket-loving South African fans: “The first half of the Betway SA20 has been a massive success so far, it has been amazing to see the fans filling up the stadiums.
“It’s exciting for us to sell out the final so early on in the competition, however, there is still a long road to go until 11 February. There is very little that separates the teams on the log at this stage, we hope the fans will continue to come out in their numbers to support their teams until the final.
“We have seen some fantastic cricket and exciting finishes, spectators will be in for a treat in the remaining matches.”
The road to the final promises to be a tightly contested battle, with only a win separating the top and bottom teams. In-form Pretoria Capitals currently top the table on 13 points, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape hot on their heels on 12 points. Only a point separates MI Cape Town (3rd), Paarl Royals (4th), Durban’s Super Giants (5th) and Joburg Super Kings (6th).
The table positions will likely keep changing this weekend with a blockbuster schedule featuring two double-headers in Paarl and Gqeberha on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets for the matches are available at www.ticketpros.co.za or at the stadium ticket office.
About Betway SA20
Betway SA20 is South Africa’s explosive new T20 cricket league. Dropping 10 January 2023, the League is set to thrill local and international cricket fans and attract new audiences of all ages.
4 weeks, 33 matches, 6 global franchises, 102 world class players (local and global) - SA20 is for cricket diehards, party people, families. For everyone!
SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several IPL strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint. The franchises are owned by six dynamic entities which have made a minimum 10-year investment which will sustain South African cricket, the players and future cricketers coming through the development pipeline.
The League features six privately-owned teams, who will play each other twice in a round-robin stage (home and away) before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played in some of the greatest locations South Africa has to offer: Durban’s Super Giants (Kingsmead), Joburg Super Kings (Wanderers), MI Cape Town (Newlands), Paarl Royals (Boland Park), Pretoria Capitals (SuperSport Park) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (St George’s Park).
The six teams finalised their 17-member squads during the R125 million player auction. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, giving plenty of opportunities for homegrown Proteas stars and young local talent to shine while playing alongside the best in the world.
SA20 is destined to become the best League in the world outside of India, and to be South Africa’s No 1 Sport and Entertainment brand. Fans can expect thrilling cricket underpinned by an immersive, inclusive, and unmissable social experience.
Join the party: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za
Pic: SA20 // SPORTZPICS
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Roelof van der Merwe delivered the bowling performance of the Betway SA20 thus far for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to decimate Durban's Super Giants at St George's Park on Sunday evening.
Van der Merwe claimed 6/20 to rout the Super Giants for just 86 in 14.4 overs. The Sunrisers won by a massive 124 runs to earn a bonus point.
It was a near-perfect performance from the Sunrisers after they had ealier delivered a batting exhibition to posted a mammoth 210/2.
Half-centuries from openers Adam Rossington and Jordan Hermann set up the imposing total. Rossington, in particular, was in fine form with his 72 coming off just 30 balls.
Young Hermann also showcased his talent with 59 off 44 balls.
The Sunrisers maintained the momentum through captain Aiden Markram (44 not out off 34 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (27 not out off 13 balls).
The total proved far too much for the Super Giants. The visitors were bundled out for a paltry 86.
Coach Lance Klusener had shifted around the batting line-up to give Matthew Breetzke a Betway SA20 debut while moving captain Quinton de Kock to No 5.
Unfortunately for the Super Giants the change in tactics did not prove successful with only Wiaan Mulder (29) and Keshav Maharaj (12) managing to get into double figures with the experienced Van der Merwe running through the visitors line-up.
About Betway SA20
Betway SA20 is a six-team franchise T20 League operating under the auspices of Cricket South Africa. Cricket South Africa is the governing body of all cricket in South Africa.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Pretoria Capitals Anrich Nortje and Jimmy Neesham ran through the Joburg Super Kings, whilst Phil Salt retained his brilliant form with the bat, to exact revenge in the Highveld derby on Wednesday evening at Centurion.
The Capitals lost a nail-biter to the Super Kings the previous night at the Wanderers, but were able to bounce back just 24 hours later on their home ground.
Nortje, who is arguably the fastest bowler in the world at the moment, ramped up the speed gun to collect 3/12, while Neesham finished with 3/7 to rout the Super Kings for 122 in just 15.4 overs.
It was an almighty collapse by the Super Kings, who lost their last eight wickets for just 69 runs.The Super Kings innings had a nightmarish start to their innings when Eathan Bosch had Reeza Hendricks caught behind first ball, but captain Faf du Plessis and Leus de Plooy attempted to rebuild the innings with a 53-run partnership for the second wicket.
But once Du Plooy, who was Player of the Match at the Wanderers, departed for 14, it left Du Plessis (51 off 22 balls) to play a lone hand.
The Super Kings had no answer to the pace of Nortje, the swing of Neesham, and the spin of Adil Rashid (2/25).
The Super Kings required early wickets if they were to defend their below-par target, but it never materialised when English opening pair Phil Salt and Will Jacks (34 off 16 balls) roared out the starting blocks with a 46-run first wicket partnership in just 3.4 overs.
The visitors’ hopes were raised when Theunis de Bruyn was brilliantly run out on the same total by Alzarri Joseph without scoring.
There were further hiccups when Rilee Rossouw (11) and Shane Dadswell (18) fell cheaply, but the victory was never in danger with Salt powering the Capitals to the top of the log with an undefeated 52 off just 30 balls.
Just over 8000 people attended on a beautiful Highveld evening.
About Betway SA20
Betway SA20 is a six-team franchise T20 League operating under the auspices of Cricket South Africa. Cricket South Africa is the governing body of all cricket in South Africa.
Pic: SA20
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Packed with a rich history, the Wanderers Stadium was built in 1956 and with a 28 000-seating capacity, it’s no wonder it was named the stadium of choice for the upcoming Betway SA20 semi-finals and final of the 2023 inaugural competition.
The explosive new T20 cricket league will first feature at Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday, 17 January when home team Joburg Super Kings face derby rivals Pretoria Capitals.
In line with the campaign vision of becoming the country’s number one sporting and entertainment brand and the best league in the world outside of India, Wanderers Stadium, in partnership with the Betway SA20 is going above and beyond the cricketing call of duty. From in-stadium activations, to DJ Chrizz Beatz, classic kids’ entertainment, top notch hospitality, innovative innings break activations, give-aways and so much more, there’s reason to see why this league is appealing to all from far and wide to attend and enjoy.
Ticket sales thus far have been extremely positive, says Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright.
“Our fans have responded incredibly well to our calls for support not only of home team Joburg Super Kings, but of the Betway SA20 league and the honour of Wanderers Stadium hosting five league games, the semi-finals and final.
“Our match day activations have been spread out, offering something for everyone – whether it’s stilt walkers, jugglers, a Virtual Reality booth, artists Costa Titch and Timo ODV amongst many other thrilling off the pitch activities. Then there’s the razmataz of the pyrotechnics that’ll light up the Joburg skyline for 4s, 6s and wickets galore – it really will be the very best we have to offer, every ball and just in case that’s not enough, there’s the Betway Catch a Million opportunity, where anyone’s life can change with a one-handed clean catch off a six that’s hit into the crowd.”
Grab your tickets now and come enjoy sporttainment at its absolute best. The competition runs from 10 January – 11 February 2023. For fixture and ticketing information please visit: https://www.sa20.co.za/fixtures/ and www.ticketpros.co.za.
Wanderers Stadium: Betway SA20 Fixtures
17 January: 17h30 JSK vs Pretoria Capitals
24 January: 17h30 JSK vs Durban Super Giants
3 February: 13h30 JSK vs Paarl Royals
5 February: 13h30 JSK vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape
6 February: 17h30 JSK vs MI Cape Town
8 February: 17h30 Semi Final
11 February: 16h30 Final
Summary of match day information: 17 January 2023, 17h30 – Joburg Super Kings vs Pretoria Capitals:
Venue: Wanderers Stadium
Gates open: 15h30
Pre-match entertainment from 16h00
Summary of additional matches:
• Matches on 17, 24 January and 6 February – Gates open 15h30 (2 hours prior to start of match)
• Matches on 3 and 5 February – Gates open 11h30 (2 hours prior to start of match)
• Semi-final on 8 February - Gates open 15h30 (2 hours prior to start of match)
• Final on 11 February - Gates open 14h30 (2 hours prior to start of match)
Parking for all matches
Wanderers Top Rugby Field; Wanderers Golf Course; Wanderers Club; Fairways Primary School at R100 per vehicle subject to availability.
Road Closure
14h30 – 22h00 on Corlett Drive
Prohibited Items
• Firearms, weapons, knives and imitation weapons
• Fireworks, explosives, flammable items
• Mace / gas containers
• Glass bottles or containers
• Hard cooler boxes
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs or narcotics
• Cans (soft drinks and alcohol)
• Braai equipment
• Animals (except guide dogs)
• Air horns / blow horns / vuvuzelas
• Tripods for cameras
• Video cameras or camcorders
• The Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any person carrying or wearing any other items or substances that may be deemed to be offensive, disruptive, dangerous, or likely to infringe any party's rights or any party’s safety or security or any dangerous article or substance not referred to above
People with disabilities
Wheelchair access gate 1
No cash and only card acceptance
Please note the Wanderers is a cashless stadium
For more information on the Betway SA20: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za. Please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Will Jacks struck a brilliant 92 to help the Pretoria Capitals do the double over the Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Centurion on Saturday.
After a failure in the previous game, the England international showed his class with a blistering innings off just 46 balls that saw the Capitals cruise home by 37 runs.
The Capitals didn't waste any time on their home turf despite losing their Player of the Match from the previous game Phil Salt early for one to Sisanda Magala.
Rilee Rossouw looked ominous with 15-ball 20, but he was caught behind just when he looked well set.
This brought Jacks and Theunis de Bruyn together at the crease for the Capitals and they proceeded to transform the game with a match-winning partnership of 111 off just 54 balls.
De Bruyn struck 42 off just 23 balls while Shane Dadswell (20 not out) and Migael Pretorius (11 not out) provided late momentum to lift them to a massive 216/6.
Sunrisers' bowling pair Sisanda Magala (2/28) and Ottniel Baartman (2/42) gained the most success for the visitors.
The Eastern Cape side struggled in their run chase as they lost the two early wickets of Sarel Erwee (8) and Jordan Cox (0) in the opening five overs.
Aiden Markram (46 off 29) and JJ Smuts (28 off 25) attempted to rebuild the innings, but were dismissed by Eathan Bosch and James Neesham respectively, which added to the Sunrisers' struggle.
Marco Jansen (36 not out) and Brydon Carse (26 not out) added some respectability to the Sunrisers' eventual total of 179/7, but they were never really in the hunt.
Upcoming Fixtures
15 January
Durban’s Super Giants vs Paarl Royals
Kingsmead
13h30
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Wednesday, 11 January: Dewald Brevis stole the show as MI Cape Town comfortably eased past Paarl Royals by eight wickets in the Betway SA20 opener at a sold out Newlands on Tuesday night.
The Newlands crowd were in high spirits before the toss after being entertained by a spectacular show from Sho Madjozi and Master KG.
The entertainment continued once the game started as the home side drew first blood when MI Cape Town’s Jofra Archer dismissed Wihan Lubbe with the help of a brilliant diving catch from George Linde.
The Boland side settled down after the initial setback through English duo Jos Buttler and Jason Roy as the pair put on 36 runs for the second wicket before Roy (13) was dismissed by Duan Jansen.
Buttler, though, continued to keep the Royals’ innings ticking over as he produced a sparkling half-century before being dismissed for 51(42), while captain David Miller knocked 42 off 31 balls as the Royals closed on 142/7.
Archer was the standout MI Cape Town bowler with figures of 3/27, while Olly Stone claimed 2/37.
MI Cape Town opening batters Brevis and Ryan Rickelton did not waste time in the run chase as they hit the ground running immediately.
The pair reached the end of the Powerplay in a comfortable position with MI Cape Town moving to 88/0.
However, the Royals managed the breakthrough they were looking for after breaking the 90-run partnership as Rickelton departed for 42 (33 balls).
It was a mere blip for the Royals as Brevis entertained the Newlands faithful with sweet strikes down the ground as he finished unbeaten on 70 off just 41 balls (4x4, 6x5) as MI Cape Town opened their Betway SA20 account in emphatic fashion.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Tuesday, 10 January: Fans have an opportunity to become instant millionaires during the Betway SA20 with the ‘Betway Catch a Million’ competition rolling out at all 33 matches across the country. The stands will be the place to be with spectators above the age of 18 who take a clean one-handed catch off a six walking away with a share of one million rand.
With some of the most explosive batters and strike-rates in T20 cricket coming out to perform in the League, fans can be certain to have many opportunities to take a life-changing catch.
Betway Head of Marketing, Mark Rowles, said:“As part of our title sponsorship we wanted to bring something to the fans in the stadium and are excited to be able to launch the Betway Catch a Million.
"Fan engagement is at the forefront of our business, and we hope to see all spectators get involved in this exciting campaign and win their share of R1 000 000.00. As an incentive to Betway SA account holders, their share of winnings will be doubled into their accounts. We hope all the fans get behind the teams and we are looking forward to the inaugural Betway SA20.”
Newlands’ capacity crowd will be the first in line for a share of the million rand during the opening match between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals on 10 January. Both teams boast some of the biggest hitters in the world including David Miller, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Rassie van der Dussen, raising the stakes for a million rand catch in the opener.
In addition, if the spectator who makes a clean one-handed catch is a Betway client prior to the match, their prize money will be doubled.
The catch must be clean and not have touched anything more than the palm of the spectator (person who catches the ball). This means that the ball cannot come off a hat, umbrella, another hand, shoulder chest, or juggled either between hands or on one hand.
Competition rules and terms & conditions are available on www.betway.co.za/latestpromos and www.sa20.co.za website
Due to responsible betting guidelines, no-one under the age of 18 is eligible to win. T’s and Cs apply.
Betway is licensed and regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. No persons under the age of 18 are eligible to win. T’s and Cs apply.
About SA20
SA20 is South Africa’s explosive new T20 cricket league. Dropping 10 January 2023, the League is set to thrill local and international cricket fans and attract new audiences of all ages.
4 weeks, 33 matches, 6 global franchises, 102 world class players (local and global) - SA20 is for cricket diehards, party people, families. For everyone!
SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several IPL strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint. The franchises are owned by six dynamic entities which have made a minimum 10-year investment which will sustain South African cricket, the players and future cricketers coming through the development pipeline.
The League features six privately-owned teams, who will play each other twice in a round-robin stage (home and away) before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played in some of the greatest locations South Africa has to offer: Durban’s Super Giants (Kingsmead), Joburg Super Kings (Wanderers), MI Cape Town (Newlands), Paarl Royals (Boland Park), Pretoria Capitals (SuperSport Park) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (St George’s Park).
The six teams finalised their 17-member squads during the R125 million player auction. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, giving plenty of opportunities for homegrown Proteas stars and young local talent to shine while playing alongside the best in the world.
SA20 is destined to become the best League in the world outside of India, and to be South Africa’s No 1 Sport and Entertainment brand. Fans can expect thrilling cricket underpinned by an immersive, inclusive, and unmissable social experience.
Join the party: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za
For more information, please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
Twitter: @SA20_League
Facebook: @SA20League
Instagram: @sa20_league
TikTok: @sa20_league
Website: www.sa20.co.za
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Monday, 9 January: Betway SA20 has confirmed exciting additions to its playing format for the inaugural season starting on 10 January. The six teams will play 33 matches in total, including three playoff matches that consist of two semi-finals and the final.
The additions have been included to improve the quality of the product while preserving the sanctity of the game.
In an innovative move to level the playing field, each captain can nominate 13 players to take the field before the toss. After the toss, each captain can select their final starting XI and the remainder of the players will automatically become substitute players.
Teams will be encouraged to put in dominant performances, with the winning team awarded four points and a bonus-point win generating five points. The bonus point will be awarded to a team who achieves a run rate of 1.25 times that of the opposition. In case of a no result, both teams will be awarded two points, while the losing team will not receive any points.
In addition, the following rules have been adjusted:
• The pace of play will be protected without suspensions with captains charged with in-game penalties for slow over-rates through fielding restrictions.
• There has been an amendment to the free-hit rule, a bowled dismissal can’t lead to byes if the ball ricochets off the stumps.
• Positive and attacking fielding will be encouraged. No runs can be taken off an intentional attempt to run out the batter if a direct hit deflects off the stumps.
• There will be two strategic time-outs of 2 minutes 30 seconds in duration in each innings. The time-outs are to allow the teams to re-group tactically.
Six Powerplay overs will be implemented where only two fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
In the event of teams finishing on equal points, the right to progress through to the final and those to play in the play-off will be determined as follows:
• the team with the most number of wins;
• If still equal, the team with the highest number of bonus points;
• If still equal, the team with the highest net run rate;
• If still equal, the team with the most number of wins over the other team(s) who are equal on points and have the same number of wins;
• If still equal, the team with the highest runs to wickets ratio throughout the tournament;
• If still equal, the team with the highest wickets to runs ratio throughout the tournament.
In a match declared as a No Result, run rate is not applicable.
The first semi-final will include the team finishing top of the group stages against the team finishing fourth. The second semi-final will be between the teams finishing second and third respectively. The winners of the two semi-finals will contest the final.
About SA20
SA20 is South Africa’s explosive new T20 cricket league. Dropping 10 January 2023, the League is set to thrill local and international cricket fans and attract new audiences of all ages.
4 weeks, 33 matches, 6 global franchises, 102 world class players (local and global) - SA20 is for cricket diehards, party people, families. For everyone!
SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several IPL strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint. The franchises are owned by six dynamic entities which have made a minimum 10-year investment which will sustain South African cricket, the players and future cricketers coming through the development pipeline.
The League features six privately-owned teams, who will play each other twice in a round-robin stage (home and away) before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played in some of the greatest locations South Africa has to offer: Durban’s Super Giants (Kingsmead), Joburg Super Kings (Wanderers), MI Cape Town (Newlands), Paarl Royals (Boland Park), Pretoria Capitals (SuperSport Park) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (St George’s Park).
The six teams finalised their 17-member squads during the R125 million player auction. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, giving plenty of opportunities for homegrown Proteas stars and young local talent to shine while playing alongside the best in the world.
SA20 is destined to become the best League in the world outside of India, and to be South Africa’s No 1 Sport and Entertainment brand. Fans can expect thrilling cricket underpinned by an immersive, inclusive, and unmissable social experience.
Join the party: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za
For more information, please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
Twitter: @SA20_League
Facebook: @SA20League
Instagram: @sa20_league
TikTok: @sa20_league
Website: www.sa20.co.za
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Right from the first ball bowled at the DP World Wanderers in this One Day Cup competition Lions Cricket has been fan-focused: Giving every single fan a memorable and unmatched experience. True to “The Lions Way” Lions Cricket is set to ensure that the 2022/23 final between the DP World Lions and Six Gun Grill WP is bigger, better and the best yet. We are wetting the Pride’s appetite with the promise of face-painters; jumping castles; DJ Garth and DJ Zinhle; competitions; Morgan Beat Box; the Jozi brass band and so much more.
Putting their money where their mouth is this One Day Cup campaign, the off-field performances were matched in the middle, with table toppers DP World Lions claiming 5 from 5 and securing a home final – all with two round robin matches still in hand.
Having won 6 of their total 7 games, log-leaders Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright says that his marketing and events team have been working equally as smart, ensuring that the off-pitch experience equates to that of inside the ropes.
“Our DP World Lions team have certainly delivered with bat and ball so now is the time for us to rally our pride members and show the team our appreciation and admiration for the quality performances to date. Our events and marketing team have gone the extra mile in order to ensure that every fan’s experience is an epic one, hosted at the one and only DP World Wanderers Stadium. So, purchase your tickets for the Final, bring family and friends because I assure you we have something for everyone.”
With adults in at R50 and scholars (u18) at R25, there really can only be one place to be, come Final Day on Thursday 29 December.
“We have more food choices, more music, more giveaways, more action. Actually: We have ‘much more’ of everything. Our fans mean the world to us and having made it a home final during the festive season, what a better time to have a great family day out?” smiles Leaf-Wright.
So come join the action by purchasing your tickets via ticketpros.co.za or at the stadium ticket office. South Africa’s most iconic cricket stadium warmly welcomes all from far and wide come 29 December 2022 at 13h00 for the Final matchup between the DP World Lions and Six Gun Grill WP. Come join in for one final time in 2022 – for a carnival of cricket this summer.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
