For the Johannesburg Super Kings, it was a “do or die” match in the ongoing SA20 competition. They were behind the Pretoria Capitals in the standings, and their only chance to advance to the postseason was with a victory. It was a difficult task, though, because their last league game of the season was against the league-leading Durban Super Giants.
Lizaad Williams gave Johannesburg a strong start with the ball, taking two vital wickets with it. But Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, and JJ Smuts caused a great deal of trouble for the hosts. Mulder scored 59 runs off 40 balls, while Smuts scored 55 off just 34 deliveries. Klassen stole the show when they returned to the pavilion on foot, scoring 40 runs off of just 16 deliveries.
The visitors scored 203 runs in the first inning thanks to their outstanding batting. In the second half of the inning, the Johannesburg Super Kings bowlers appeared completely lost, but the hitters were sure they could finish the job.
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and opening partner Leus de Plooy caused havoc in the chase, putting together a partnership of 102 runs. Plooy scored 57 runs off 47 deliveries, while Faf hammered 57 runs off just 29 deliveries. Wayne Madsen maintained the momentum after Faf was gone, finishing with 44 runs off 29 deliveries. Later, Moeen Ali picked up speed, scoring 26 runs off of 12 deliveries to help Johannesburg win by seven wickets.
The Super Kings’ victory moved them up to fourth place in the standings. With 14 points from 10 games, Pretoria Capitals placed fifth, while MI Cape Town, for the second consecutive year, finished bottom of the standings.
In the meantime, the Durban Super Giants will take on the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the reigning champions, in Qualifier 1, and
The Johannesburg Super Kings will now play the Paarl Royals in the eliminator on February 7 in Johannesburg.
This is Twitter’s response to the Johannesburg Super Kings:
Wayne Madsen has been such a revelation man.
Excellent against spin, superb runner between the wickets, keeps the tempo up.
Just what we needed, now I just hope he keeps it up for the playoffs.#CricketTwitter #JSKvDSG pic.twitter.com/vFYcdpmdws
— Vibhor (@dhotedhulwate) February 4, 2024
Pure emotions at the Wanderers as JSK complete the highest successful run chase at the stadium in T20s in a do or die match against DSG.#SA20 #JSKvDSG pic.twitter.com/0I5qwkE0TZ
— Vibhor (@dhotedhulwate) February 3, 2024
JSK into playoffs
MICT out of playoffs
Just done
Now I can sleep much better#SA20 #JSKVDSG #MICTvPC
— Maddy (@ms210999) February 3, 2024
This. This moment right after the shot, he knew. Donovan Ferreira, the name. #JSK #JSKvDSG #DSGvJSK #SA20 https://t.co/wCRdImjvkh
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) February 3, 2024
Superkings in PLAYOFFS
Faf & Co#JSKvDSG #WhistleForJoburg #ToJoburgWeBelong #SA20pic.twitter.com/PbrDRzYGvD
— ᴹᵃʰᶦᶻʰᵃⁿ
ᵀⱽᴷ (@_Mahizhan) February 3, 2024
Leaving this here tonight,
We literally advanced to Playoffs with just three W’s, having hammered the top-ranked team.
Who are we!? Say aloud, ‘The Super Kings.’
@JSKSA20#JSK #JSKvDSG #DSGvJSK #SA20
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) February 3, 2024
Record chase with a Six to finish it off to reach Play offs
#JSKvDSG #WhistleForJoburg #SA20 pic.twitter.com/sua8GC1wnH
— Ranjith (@Ranjithmsh) February 3, 2024
Unbelievable JSK qualifies for the semi, despite being last on the table throughout the competition (league games)… Unbelievable stuff, chased 204 at the BullRing.. quite similar to CSK’s 2010 last league game, similar scenario, went on winning that season..#JSKvDSG #SA20
— Harsh Tegta (@iamharshtegta) February 3, 2024
Ali Bhai Cameo of the Day
#JSKvDSG #WhistleForJoburg #SA20
Sports18 pic.twitter.com/EkDxIqgeG5
— Joburg Superfans (@joburgsuperfans) February 3, 2024