New Zealand have for the best part of the last decade confounded expectations on the global cricket stage.
The Black Caps have routinely punched above their weight by maximising their minimalist resources and found a way to win.
At the heart of this success was their former captain Kane Williamson.
In his own unique style, choosing dignity over aggression, but still possessing the inner steel to get over the line, Williamson was one of the finest leaders of his generation.
Durban’s Super Giants captain Keshav Maharaj is elated with the fact that this amount of emotional intelligence, along with cricket pedigree, will now form part of his team’s quest to claim a first-ever SA20 title.
“When I heard about it (signing for DSG), I actually dropped him a DM,” Maharaj said.
“I was surprised he replied to me, considering the following that he has. But I think with someone of his pedigree – he’s won many titles for his country and in franchise tournaments. He has done really well as a leader.
“I am excited to learn from someone like him. He’s been around the world. To be able to dive into his insights and look into the philosophies of how he leads teams,” Maharaj added.
A quick transition from 🙂 👉🏻 😲 pic.twitter.com/cn9RrIAPFC
— Durban's Super Giants (@DurbansSG) January 9, 2025
It’s not just Williamson’s experience and tactical acumen that DSG will be relying on during this Season 3 campaign, which gets under way against Pretoria Capitals today at Kingsmead (5.30pm start).
Last season’s runners-up are packed with sluggers such as Heinrich Klaasen, West Indian Brandon King and Quinton de Kock.
But they probably lacked the finesse of someone like Williamson last season – a player with the ability to manoeuvre the ball around the field once the Powerplay restrictions have been lifted, and able to keep one end constant while the explosives are lit on the other side.
Williamson’s IPL record of 2 128 runs at an average of 35.46, which includes him being one of the first foreigners to hold the Orange Cap for the most runs in a season, is an illustration of his run-making abilities.
“He’s phenomenally skilled. He’s probably the best batter I’ve ever bowled to in international cricket. The amount of time and skill he possesses is incredible,” Maharaj said.
The Maharaja of Durban is here 👑🔥 pic.twitter.com/3boNjcrCb3
— Durban's Super Giants (@DurbansSG) January 9, 2025
“We have a lot of power hitters, but maybe last year we lacked someone who could anchor the innings. That’s the role we see him playing this year.”
The Capitals, meanwhile, are almost going back to the very beginning for Season 3 with the appointment of an entire new leadership group in coach Jonathan Trott and captain Rilee Rossouw.
The duo have replaced Graham Ford and Wayne Parnell respectively.
Rossouw has always been known for his ‘X-factor’ batting style, and it’s expected that he will lead in a similar manner this season.
“We want to play positive cricket. We want to play good cricket and be competitive. Our cause remains the same as the last two seasons,” the dynamic left-hander said.
After already losing explosive West Indies opener Evin Lewis on the eve of the competition to injury, the Capitals are also sweating on the fitness of their two senior pacemen, Anrich Nortjé (toe) and Parnell (shoulder) ahead of tonight’s opener, but Rossouw is confident the duo are making good progress.
“We have some key men that have to come back for us in the fast-bowling department. Hopefully, their toes and shoulders will be fine when the competition kicks off. They are looking good and progressing really well,” he said. | Independent Media Sport
Squads For Kingsmead
Durban’s Super Giants: Keshav Maharaj (captain), Noor Ahmad, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Quinton De Kock, Wiaan Mulder, Naveen-ul-Haq, Bryce Parsons, Dwaine Pretorius, Jason Smith, Jon-Jon Smuts, Prenelan Subrayen, Brandon King, Kane Williamson, Chris Woakes, Marcus Stoinis.
Pretoria Capitals: Rilee Rossouw (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Will Smeed, Marques Ackerman, Kyle Verreynne, Liam Livingstone, Jimmy Neesham, Senuran Muthusamy, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Steve Stolk, Anrich Nortjé, Wayne Parnell, Daryn Dupavillon, Eathan Bosch, Migael Pretorius, Kyle Simmonds, Tiaan van Vuuren.