By Adnaan Mohamed
MI Cape Town will begin their Betway SA20 Season 4 campaign on familiar ground, returning to a Newlands venue that proved impenetrable during last season’s title run.
The defending champions were unbeaten in five home matches in Season 3, turning the historic stadium into a fortress on their march to the trophy.
Champions open SA20 Season 4 against star-studded Super Giants
Led by captain Rashid Khan, MI Cape Town boast a squad brimming with firepower. Proteas stars Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch are joined by international standouts Rashid Khan, Trent Boult and explosive new recruit Nicholas Pooran.
Rashid believes the pressure has eased following last season’s breakthrough title after two difficult campaigns.
“There was more pressure last year than this year, you know we came at the bottom twice in a row and to come up from that and win the trophy was a big thing for us as a team,” Rashid Khan said.
“I think what we did right was we played collectively as a team and we took the responsibility at certain points of the game.
“Every player is well experienced, and they will adjust themselves with the condition and the position of the team quite quickly.
“Everyone is so professional, they have played so much cricket around the world, and I think it won’t be that difficult for them to acclimatise.”
Pooran set to add power and energy
All eyes will be on Nicholas Pooran, with Rashid backing the West Indian to make an immediate impact in his new colours.
“He (Pooran) is going to bring lots of energy to the game,” Rashid said. “We know how dangerous and how good a cricketer he is.
“He is a kind of like a person who comes in smashing lots of sixes you will see. He’s a guy full of energy and entertainment and I am sure he is going to love his time here.”
Super Giants arrive with pedigree and punch
Durban’s Super Giants arrive with a revamped squad and a new leader in Aiden Markram, a two-time SA20 winner with Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Markram brings a proven winning mentality to a side packed with international quality.
England’s former T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler headlines a powerful batting unit that also includes New Zealand great Kane Williamson and Proteas star Heinrich Klaasen.
While West Indian all-rounder Sunil Narine is not yet available, the Super Giants have strengthened their spin resources with Proteas Test hero Simon Harmer, joining Afghanistan mystery spinner Noor Ahmad.
Markram believes the group has the right balance as they begin a new chapter.
“There is a really nice balance in the set-up and we have a nice group of guys. We have some really good all-rounders, mixed with 2-3 world class players with the likes of Buttler, Klaasen and co,” Markram said.
“I think a lot of it comes down to finding our strength as a team and our identity and what gives us the best chance to play good cricket and win games of cricket, so it’s obviously a new and exciting challenge for us in a competition with a lot of new faces.”
Sold-out Newlands set for festive opener
Cricket fever has gripped the Mother City, with the opening match completely sold out. Fans will be treated to a festival atmosphere, headlined by a live performance from award-winning DJ and GQ Man of the Year Shimza before the first ball.
With entertainment on and off the field and two star-studded teams ready to set the tone for the season, Newlands is primed for a blockbuster start to Betway SA20 Season 4.
