MI Cape Town launch their title defence at home against a revamped Durban Super Giants in a mouth-watering SA20 2025-26 opener at Newlands, with batters set to enjoy a true surface under lights.​

MI Cape Town enter as defending champions and begin Season 4 at their Newlands fortress under Rashid Khanlooking to set the tone early in front of home support.​ Durban Super Giants, who finished bottom last season, start afresh with a significantly strengthened core and an impressive 3-1 head-to-head edge over MICT in T20s.

MICT vs DSG, SA20 2025-26: Match details

• Date and Time: December 26 (Friday); 9:00 pm IST / 03:30 pm GMT / 5:30 pm Local
• Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

Head-to-Head Record in SA20 2025-26:

Matches played: 5 | MI Cape Town won: 1 | Durban Super Giants won: 3 | No result/Tied: 1

Newlands Cricket Ground Pitch Report

The Newlands pitch in Cape Town typically offers early assistance to fast bowlers with swing and bounce during the first few overs, but it soon settles into a true surface ideal for stroke play. Batters can trust the bounce and play through the line once the shine fades. Spinners come into play as the match progresses, especially under dry conditions. The average first-innings score here ranges between 160 and 175, making it a balanced wicket that rewards both disciplines. Given the evening conditions, chasing teams have enjoyed more success, so captains winning the toss often prefer to bowl first.

Squads

Durban Super Giants: Devon Conway, Jos Buttler (white), Kane Williamson, Aiden Markkram (c), Heinrich Classen, Dayyan Galem, Sunil Norinous, Nor Ahmad, Kwena Mahaka, Kwena Maapa, Kwena Mahaka, Kwena Mahaka, Gybs Ahmad, Marques Amendle. Simelane, Ethan Bosch, Tony the Zorzi, Daryn Dupvillon, Taiul Islam Islam

MI Cape Town: Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Jason Smith, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Rashid Khan (c), Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Piedt, Tristan Luus, Dwaine Pretorius, Corbin Bosch, Tom Moores, Karim Janat, Thomas Kaber, Jacques Snyman, Tiaan van Vuuren, Daniel Lategan

MICT vs DSG, SA20 2025-26: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• MI Cape Town wins the toss and bowls first
• Durban Super Giants’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Durban Super Giants’ total score: 155-165

Case 2:

• Durban Super Giants wins the toss and bowls first
• MI Cape Town’ powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• MI Cape Town’ total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest