Devon Conway seems to be on a mission to prove that IPL franchises were wrong in giving him the cold shoulder at the recent mini auction.
The Kiwi batter continued his fine form and peeled off a 26-ball fifty for Durban Super Giants against MI Cape Town in the opening match of the SA 20 2025-26 that got underway on Friday.
Recently, Conway scored a double century and a century in the same Test against West Indies. He first struck a career-best 227 in the first dig and followed with an exact 100 in the second innings as New Zealand completed a massive 323-run win.
Ryan Rickelton’s maiden SA20 century couldn’t prevent MI Cape Town from a 15-run loss against Durban Super Giants in an exhilarating affair. In a high-scoring match with a cumulative total of 449 runs, including 25 sixes and 40 boundaries, Rickleton’s 113 off 65 balls brought MI Cape Town close. However, Durban Super Giants’ formidable 232/5 proved insurmountable.
The all-New Zealand opening pair of Conway and Kane Williamson set the tone for DSG, amassing 96 runs in just 8.3 overs during the Powerplay. Conway’s impressive 64 off 33 balls (7×4, 2×6) was followed by contributions from Jos Buttler (20 off 12 balls) and Heinrich Klaasen (22 off 14 balls). Despite Conway’s dismissal by fellow Kiwi Trent Boult, Aiden Markram (35 off 17 balls, 5×4, 1×6) and Evan Jones (33* off 14 balls, 4×4, 2×6) maintained the momentum.
For MI Cape Town, Rickelton was the focal point of the run-chase. Despite early losses of Rassie van der Dussen (2) and Reeza Hendricks, Rickelton continued to cut, drive, and pull with power. Jason Smith’s stunning 41 off 14 balls (4×4, 3×6) briefly shifted the momentum, but DSG managed key wickets during the death overs, including Smith, Nicholas Pooran (15), and Dwaine Pretorius (5).
Rickelton was given a reprieve on 85 when Kwena Maphaka overstepped, allowing him to reach his second T20 century. However, with 22 runs needed off the final over, Eathan Bosch (4/46) held his nerve and dismissed Rickelton, ending MI Cape Town’s valiant pursuit.