SA20 Season 4, MICT vs DSG: Defending champs MI Cape Town hope to start strong at home | Cricket News
MI Cape Town could hardly have asked for a better home campaign last season. Unbeaten in five matches at Newlands, the defending champions turned their backyard into a stronghold and rode that momentum all the way to the title in SA20 Season 3.That success was built around a star-studded squad, and little has changed on that front. The home crowd can once again expect plenty of entertainment from the likes of Proteas quick Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch, alongside global names such as Rashid Khan, Trent Boult and new signing Nicholas Pooran.
Captain Rashid Khan believes the group is in a good headspace heading into the new season, particularly after shedding the burden that came with past struggles.“There was more pressure last year than this year,” Rashid said. “We had finished at the bottom twice in a row, so coming back from that to win the trophy meant a lot to us as a team.”ALSO READ | SA20 Season 4 previewHe felt the turnaround came down to collective responsibility and experience. “We played as a unit and took responsibility at key moments. Everyone is experienced, professional and used to playing in different conditions. They know how to adapt quickly, and that makes a big difference.”Rashid is also looking forward to seeing Pooran settle into his new surroundings, expecting the West Indian to make an immediate impact.“He’s going to bring a lot of energy,” Rashid said. “We all know how dangerous he is. He’s the kind of player who comes in and starts clearing the ropes. He’s full of life and entertainment, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy playing here.”Standing in MI Cape Town’s way are the Durban Super Giants, who arrive with a reshaped squad and the potential to spoil the champions’ homecoming. The side is now led by Aiden Markram, a two-time winner of the competition with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and someone who brings both calm leadership and a winning pedigree to Lance Klusener’s set-up.The Super Giants’ squad is equally well stocked. Markram is joined by England’s former T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler, with further batting depth provided by Kane Williamson and Heinrich Klaasen.While Sunil Narine is yet to link up with the side, the Super Giants have added Proteas Test stalwart Simon Harmer, strengthening a spin attack that already includes Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad.“There’s a really nice balance in the group,” Markram said. “We’ve got some quality all-rounders and a few world-class players like Buttler, Klaasen and others.”For Markram, the early focus is on defining how the team wants to play. “It’s about finding our identity and understanding what gives us the best chance to play good cricket and win games. With a lot of new faces, it’s a fresh and exciting challenge.”Catch all the action from MI Cape Town vs Durban’s Super Giants, December 26, 9:00 PM IST onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network
