Ryan Rickelton’s maiden SA20 century proved to be a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort as MI Cape Town went down by 15 runs against Durban Super Giants in a thrilling Season 4 opener.

On a run-fuelled opening night that produced a staggering 449 runs, including 25 sixes and 40 boundaries, Rickelton’s blistering 113 off 65 balls kept MI Cape Town in the hunt until the final over. However, Durban Super Giants’ record total of 232 for 5 eventually proved beyond reach.

Durban’s innings was built on a dominant start from their all-New Zealand opening pair. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson tore into the Powerplay, racing to 96 inside 8.3 overs and setting the tone for a massive total.

The momentum was carried forward by Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen, who ensured there was no let-up after Conway was dismissed for 64 off 33 balls by fellow Kiwi Trent Boult. Buttler struck a quick 20 off 12 balls, while Klaasen chipped in with 22 off 14.

Aiden Markram and Evan Jones then provided the finishing touches, keeping the boundaries flowing in the closing overs. Markram smashed 35 off just 17 deliveries, while Jones remained unbeaten on 33 from 14 balls as Durban Super Giants surged to a tournament-record 232 for 5.

MI Cape Town’s chase revolved entirely around Rickelton. The left-hander led from the front, cutting, driving and pulling with authority even as early wickets fell around him, including Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks.

The arrival of debutant Jason Smith briefly swung the momentum back in MI Cape Town’s favour, as he launched a stunning counterattack with 41 off just 14 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes.

Durban Super Giants, however, struck back during the death overs, removing Smith, Nicholas Pooran and Dwaine Pretorius in quick succession to regain control.

Rickelton was given a lifeline on 85 when Kwena Maphaka overstepped, resulting in a no-ball after the opener had been caught in the deep. The reprieve allowed Rickelton to surge to his second T20 century, raising hopes of a dramatic finish.

But with 22 runs required off the final over, seamer Eathan Bosch held his nerve, dismissing Rickelton and finishing with figures of 4 for 46 to seal a hard-fought 15-run victory for Durban Super Giants.

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