The SA20 2025-26 season kicks off with a blockbuster opening clash between the defending champions MI Cape Town and the strong Durban Super Giants. This is Match 1 of the fourth edition of the South African T20 League, and fans can expect high-quality cricket right from the start.
MI Cape Town, who surprised everyone by winning the previous season after finishing bottom in the first two editions, will now defend their title under Rashid Khan. On the other hand, Durban Super Giants will be led by Aiden Markram, a proven SA20-winning captain, making this clash even more exciting.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | SA20 2025-26 |
| Match | MI Cape Town vs Durban Super Giants (Match 1) |
| Date | Friday, 26 December 2025 |
| Time | 9:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Newlands Cricket Ground |
Match Preview
MI Cape Town – Team Overview
MI Cape Town come into the tournament as defending champions and look very strong, especially in the bowling department. With world-class bowlers like Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan, they have one of the most dangerous bowling attacks in T20 cricket.
Their batting also looks solid with Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, and Reeza Hendricks providing stability at the top.
Durban Super Giants – Team Overview
Durban Super Giants arguably have the most powerful batting lineup in SA20 2025-26. Players like Jos Buttler, Heinrich Klaasen, Kane Williamson, and captain Aiden Markram can destroy any bowling attack on their day.
They also have a balanced bowling unit led by Gerald Coetzee and David Wiese, making them a complete side.
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| MI Cape Town | 1 |
| Durban Super Giants | 4 |
| No Result | 1 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Results |
|---|---|
| MI Cape Town | W, W, W, W, W |
| Durban Super Giants | NR, L, L, L, W |
Pitch & Weather Report – Newlands, Cape Town
Weather Update
- Temperature: 20–22°C
- Humidity: 55–60%
- Rain Chance: Around 10%
Pitch Report
- Batting-friendly wicket
- New ball swings for fast bowlers
- Spinners can be effective in middle overs
Chasing Record
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Winning Percentage | 58% |
| Advantage | Chasing teams |
Newlands T20 Ground Stats
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 39 |
| Batting First Wins | 16 |
| Batting Second Wins | 21 |
| Tie/No Result | 2 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 153 |
| Highest Score | 220/2 |
| Lowest Score | 95 all out |
Predicted Playing XI
MI Cape Town
- Reeza Hendricks
- Ryan Rickelton (WK)
- Jason Smith
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Karim Janat
- Tom Moores
- George Linde
- Corbin Bosch
- Rashid Khan (C)
- Trent Boult
- Kagiso Rabada
Durban Super Giants
- Jos Buttler
- Kane Williamson
- Aiden Markram (C)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
- David Bedingham
- David Wiese
- Dayyaan Galiem
- Gerald Coetzee
- Eathan Bosch
- Andile Simelane
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips
Small League – Safe Picks
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Aiden Markram
- Rashid Khan
- Kane Williamson
- Corbin Bosch
These players offer consistency and all-round value.
Grand League – Differential Picks
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- George Linde
- Ryan Rickelton
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Jos Buttler
Perfect picks for high-risk, high-reward contests.
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
This match is a classic battle between MI Cape Town’s elite bowling attack and Durban Super Giants’ explosive batting lineup. While MI Cape Town have match-winners with the ball, Durban Super Giants look slightly more balanced overall, especially in batting depth.
Predicted Winner: Durban Super Giants
Injury Update
| Team | Injury Status |
|---|---|
| Durban Super Giants | No injury concerns |
| MI Cape Town | No injury concerns |
Disclaimer
Fantasy sports involve financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and only for entertainment purposes.
