The race to T20 World Cup selection is continuing to intensify, with the upward trend of strong all-round performances from the young and experienced. And today was the day for a couple of first-timers to impress.

A sterling 4-wicket haul for Simon Harmer kept Durban’s Super Giants under control, but an unbeaten 52 off 29 (3 fours, 4 sixes) from Wiaan Mulder drove the hosts to a competitive 159.

The DSG bowlers kept it tight early on, but Tristan Stubbs took center stage after the early setbacks. His 66* from 38 (5 fours, 4 sixes) would help wrest back the momentum and eventually take visitors home in a tricky mid-scoring encounter.

Over to the Bullring, the Pretoria Capitals struggled all innings, but it was Kyle Verreynne to the rescue. The Proteas Test wicketkeeper was playing his first game of the tournament, and wound up with a personal-best score of 72* from 52 (7 fours, 1 six). He managed to get some priceless support from the tailenders, setting up a solid 167 at halftime.

After the JSK openers were dismissed early, it took a cameo from the in-form Leus du Plooy and a useful 40 from Sibonelo Makhanya to bring the innings back on track. Makhanya was also playing his first match of this SA20, and dazzled with confident strokeplay.

Following both their dismissals, it was down to Donovan Ferreira and Moeen Ali to rebuild. After a couple of quiet overs, it was Ferreira who took the reins, punishing the Pretoria bowlers all around the park. He brought up a superlative half-century in just 18 deliveries. It may have been a slightly sticky situation in the middle phase, but the big-hitting right-hander made short work of it.