SA20 2023: Eoin Morgan’s half-century goes in vain as Durban’s Super Giants emerge victorious in captivating clash

Match 8 of the inaugural edition of the SA20 saw the clash between Durban’s Super Giants (DUR) and Paarl Royals (PRL) at the Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday, January 15. The hosts Super Giants registered a win by 27 runs after Paarl put up a tough fight courtesy of Eoin Morgan’s 64-run knock. 

Opting to bat first, Durban skipper Quinton de Kock and Co. put up a massive total of 216 runs on the board in their 20 overs. At first, openers Kyle Mayers and Wiaan Mulder built a solid foundation as the duo stitched a 62-run partnership. 

However, upon the dismissal of Mayers and Mulder who were out for scores of 39 and 42 runs respectively, skipper de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen took control of the contest and registered half-centuries to their name.

de Kock scored 57 off 31 balls which included four maximums and five boundaries whereas Klaasen remained unbeaten throughout the innings at a score of 50 off just 19 balls. Klassen's aggressive knock included six sixes and one four at a stunning strike rate of 263.16. It eventually steered the side to attain the massive score of 216.

Eoin Morgan-Dane Vilas’ fight in vain

As Paarl were gearing up for the humongous run chase, the hosts seemed one step ahead as they got the quick wickets of Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, Wihan Lubbe, and David Miller. Swiftly putting the pressure on the batters, Durban seemed to be dominating the match until Eoin Morgan played out a vital knock and brought the game back to life. 

The southpaw scored 64 runs off 37 balls which included five sixes and two boundaries at a strike rate of 172.97. Along with him, Dane Vilas too added 44 runs from 30 balls to get the match close which gave a minor scare to the hosts. However, with Reece Topley getting the important wicket of Vilas and bagging a three-wicket haul and the run-out of Morgan by Simon Harmer, Durban claimed the win by 27 runs.