Twitter Reactions: Maharaj, Miller and others team up to flabbergast the Giants

After four wins in as many matches at the start of the tournament, the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants seemed to have fallen apart slightly. The side recorded two back-to-back losses; this time, it was against the Durban Heat. The Heat won just one game out of six before this match. Thus, clearly, the Giants were the favourites. But, Keshav Maharaj and David Miller along with the other players led the attack for the Durban-based franchise and helped register what was truly a memorable win.

After they opted to bat first, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants got a good score on the board. The openers – Ben Dunk and Jason Roy – took the team off to a great start. While the former raced his way to 34 off 18 balls, the latter got 36 from 26 deliveries. Captain JJ Smuts mustered 54 runs off 37 balls.

Even though they could have got a bigger total on the board, the knocks from Heino Kuhn (0 off 4) and Ryan ten Doeschate (17 off 22) slowed things down. Towards the end, Marco Marais provided the team with the final impetus with his unbeaten 11-ball 25. This propelled the score to 173/6 in 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj picked up three wickets.

Wihan Lubbe displays another dimension of his game

The Durban Heat lost their opener Wesley Marshall for just 3 runs. However, Wihan Lubbe – at number three – made the best use of the field restrictions. The 27-year-old was always thought of as someone who plays the anchor and doesn’t go for too many big hits. But this time, he showed a different dimension of his game. In just 11 balls, he scored 31 runs before Imran Tahir got the better of him.

Dane Vilas also played an aggressive knock and scored 25 runs from 14 balls. Meanwhile, Alex Hales and David Miller played the anchors in this innings. Two highly aggressive players playing the second fiddle was surprising but that was the need of the hour. The England cricketer got out after he scored 41 runs from 38 balls. On the other hand, David Miller remained unbeaten on 50 off 39 balls and saw to it that his team got over the line. Ravi Bopara also played a handy cameo of 18 off 8 balls as the Heat won by 8 wickets.

Here is how Twitterati reacted:

Durban Heat showing their skills beating NMBG by 6 wickets. Miller 50* (39) guided as Lubbe 31 (11) took Dala 3-46-1 in the 4th for 4 4 6 4 6 4 🔥 #MSLT20 via @ESPNcricinfo

— 🌍 Paul Watson (@paulmwatson) November 30, 2019

More of the @durban_heat players 🏏
Even got a picture with the man of the match keshavmaharaj16 🔥🏏#mslt20 #heatup 🔥 @ Kingsmead Cricket Ground https://t.co/1OklI8opCW

— ★ тα$нα к мσσdlєу 🇿🇦★ (@tasha_k_moodley) November 30, 2019

Not much to say about the @msljozistars in last place. No chance bt they can cause problems for the @Paarl_Rocks (H), @durban_heat twice and @SpartansMSLT20 . They become the king makers in all of this. #MSLT20

— Mpho “Your Friendly Sports Guy” (@MphoMoreki) November 30, 2019

So the @MSL_T20 is well poised after that @durban_heat win! 5 teams looking for 3 playoff spots. So what does everyone need to go through? #MSLT20 check this thread out👇🏽

— Mpho “Your Friendly Sports Guy” (@MphoMoreki) November 30, 2019

Great chase by the @durban_heat 👌#MSLT20 #MSL2019

— Dee (@DSNhlapo) November 30, 2019

The momentum is with the @durban_heat 🔥🔥🔥

2 wins in a row👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽@NMB_Giants played very well but we were just too good for them!!!

Now y’all meet my new 🏏 Partner @Swazi_le_Hlubi #MSLT20 #HeatUp #DHvsNMBG pic.twitter.com/F9F5FbJwJk

— Sibonelo Fitness Coach (@Gatsheni_Siboh) November 30, 2019

Well Played @ravibopara ..
the six over covers and the helicopter shot to win the match was cool..

All the best finding a conveyance.. 😉#MSLT20 #Durban pic.twitter.com/5OZdGl0wcL

— Aiyappa CG (@yaps9) November 30, 2019

Durban Heat have recorded 2 exceptionally composed run chases in this #MSLT20 2.0 I don't wanna be facing them next! We're in for a nail-biting finish here!!!

— Gontse Matea (@Gontse_Matea) November 30, 2019

What a run chase, brilliant victory for @durban_heat 😎 Clearly the batting is their strength with back to back victories chasing 💪 Heat are still alive in the competition👍 @MSL_T20 @OfficialCSA #MSLT20 🏏 pic.twitter.com/4jCjEOkZi8

— Suleman Modan (@Figjamfan) November 30, 2019

David Miller hits his maiden #MSLT20 50 in his 12th innings for the Durban Heat.

Hopefully Miller time can take his team to the playoffs and hopefully further.

— LocalCricketZA (@LocalCricketZA) November 30, 2019

Congrats to @durban_heat Players, Coaches, Support Staff and Team Management.
Excellent knock @DavidMillerSA12
50#MSLT20

— JaayShaan(Shankar) (@JaayShaan) November 30, 2019

@DavidMillerSA12 did the most!🎉🎉👌👌#MSLT20 #MSL2019

— Dee (@DSNhlapo) November 30, 2019