Thursday, January 11, 2024: On January 11, Durban’s Super Giants and MI Cape Town will square off in the SA20, bringing two of the biggest T20 talents in the world to Kingsmead. Captain of MI Cape Town and famous Trinidadian Kieron Pollard will square up against Nicholas Pooran, who will be in the DSG corner.
Nicholas Pooran, who has been dominant in T20 franchise competitions all over the world for the past 12 months, will be aiming to light up Kingsmead.
In true Caribbean style, Nicholas Pooran was humble about his accomplishments and only wanted to contribute positively to his new squad in a way that he felt would be especially fulfilling in the context of the game.
I’m not a superstar, to start with. I just want to keep doing what I’ve been doing for the past several years, which is being reliable and supporting my teammates,” Nicholas Pooran stated.
I specialize in T20 cricket. To watch T20 cricket, the crowds turn out. That’s the path I’ve taken. I think T20s are amazing. Fans are drawn to T20 cricket in addition to players.
While Quinton de Kock, a former DSG captain, has taken him under his wing, Nicholas Pooran is undoubtedly loving the tropical atmosphere of Durban.
It’s lovely and feels a lot like home. The guys have been quite hospitable. Quinny tells me it’s a lovely day to bat. The lads are always telling me how great the vibe is, so I’m excited to see the supporters there and hopefully we can play a fantastic show (versus MI Cape Town),” the man stated.
Conversely, Kieron Pollard wants to assist MI Cape Town in improving upon their performance from the first SA20 season the previous year.
“Obviously, as a team, we didn’t do as well as we believed we should have [last season], so I’m coming in to try and make a difference. “All I want to do is show the supporters some excitement,” declared Pollard.
But after winning a thrilling last-over match at Kingsmead last season, Nicholas Pooran is keen to see DSG continue their winning streak against MI Cape Town at home.
“The coaching staff has completed their assigned work.” Not just for our franchise but for all the others as well, the first year was a learning process. I can speak from personal experience when I say that every squad is hoping to win this competition. We’ve done a lot of planning and have some new tactics this season, so maybe we can succeed and bring the championship to Durban,” he remarked.
“There are many talented players on their team, MI Cape Town, but the game matters on the day.” Execution is everything. It’s as basic as bat vs. ball. Naturally, the person with the greatest ability to maintain composure will have a better chance of winning. We are excited about the task and prepared.
But MI Cape Town has used the local expertise of “hometown” lad Grant Roelofsen.
Roelofsen plays cricket for Kingsmead in his own country, and he would have given his MI Cape Town teammates a lot of tactical knowledge.
“It’s my home field, even if I play for a different team. Well, it’s nice to be back. I hope that a few people will continue to support me. “I can’t wait to rush out for MI Cape Town,” Roelofsen exclaimed.
“Our team has examined every possibility. They have used my expertise because I am a local guy and have been playing here for a while.
Michigan Prior to this first match, Cape Town suffered two injuries. West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has taken over as captain in place of Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, and Sri Lankan seamer Nuwan Thushara has taken over in place of England’s Jofra Archer.
WHOLE SQUADS
Durban Super Giants
Keshav Maharaj (captain), Quinton de Kock, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Mayers, Naveen-ul-Haq, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Reece Topley, Jon-Jon Smuts, Dwaine Pretorius, Keemo Paul, Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaassen, Wiaan Mulder, Noor Ahmad, Matthew Breeztke, Junior Dala, Bryce Parsons, Jason Smith, and Nicholas Pooran.
MI Cape Town
Kieron Pollard (captain), Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Rashid Khan, Tom Banton, Rassie van der Dussen, Delano Potgieter, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Beuran Hendricks, Duan Jansen, Olly Stone, Grant Roelofsen, Nuwan Thushara, Chris Benjamin, Nealan van Heerden, Thomas Kaber, and Connor Esterhuizen
India
