A fan moment stole the spotlight alongside Ryan Rickelton’s blazing century on a run-fest opening night of the SA20, as MI Cape Town went down fighting against Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands on Friday (December 26).
Rickelton smashed a breathtaking 113 off 65 ball, but it wasn’t just the MI Cape Town opener who walked away richer from the contest. One towering six off his bat ended up earning a spectator a life-changing reward of Rand 2 million (approximately ₹1.07 crore) after the fan completed a clean one-handed catch as part of the league’s in-stadium promotion.
₹1 crore catch grabs headlines on explosive SA20 opener
The six, struck during the 13th over of MI Cape Town’s chase, sailed into the stands where a fan pulled off a stunning one-handed grab, triggering celebrations across the stadium. SA20’s fan engagement initiative rewards spectators who manage a clean one-handed catch with a cash prize, and Rickelton’s hit delivered the biggest payoff possible.
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The opener’s innings was packed with power and precision, featuring 11 sixes and five boundaries, as he continued his impressive run at Newlands. Despite his efforts, MI Cape Town fell short by 15 runs while chasing Durban’s Super Giants’ imposing 232/5- the highest total in SA20 history, surpassing the 204/3 scored by Sunrisers Eastern Cape in last season’s final at the same venue.
Durban Super Giants pile on the runs, MI’s chase falls short
Durban’s Super Giants laid the foundation early through an all-New Zealand opening stand. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson tore into the Powerplay, racing to 96 inside nine overs before Williamson departed for a fluent 40. His dismissal was a moment of brilliance, with MI Cape Town skipper Rashid Khan sprinting back from mid-off to take a full-length diving catch.
Conway carried on to score 64 off 33 balls, while Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen ensured there was no dip in momentum. Late-order fireworks from Aiden Markram (35 off 17) and Evan Jones (33* off 14) pushed DSG beyond the 230 mark, leaving MI with a daunting chase.
Rickelton anchored the response after early wickets, and Jason Smith’s explosive 41 off just 14 balls briefly swung the momentum back. A dramatic no-ball reprieve on 85 allowed Rickelton to surge to his second T20 hundred, but Durban held their nerve at the death. Ethan Bosch dismissed Rickelton in the final over and finished with 4/46, sealing a thrilling opening-night win.