Gleeson concedes just five runs in historic Super Over to seal Joburg Super Kings’ thrilling win over Durban’s Super Giants

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In a high-scoring contest at the high-altitude Wanderers, it was Richard Gleeson who held his nerve when it mattered most, scripting history by delivering the first Super Over in SA20 and guiding Joburg Super Kings (JSK) to a dramatic win over Durban’s Super Giants (DSG).

With both teams locked at 205 after 40 overs, the New Year’s Day crowd was treated to an unexpected Super Over. Gleeson, entrusted with the ball, produced a masterclass under pressure, conceding just five runs, after which JSK comfortably sealed victory to move top of the SA20 points table.

“You don’t want easy wins every game,” Gleeson said after the match. “It’s moments like these, when you’re under pressure, that build confidence. The key is executing your skills under tough conditions — with dew, a loud crowd, and everything on the line.”

Despite it being his first-ever Super Over, Gleeson leaned on his extensive experience bowling at the death. Since 2022, among bowlers who have delivered more than 400 balls in T20 cricket, Gleeson ranks fifth-best in overs 17 to 20, with an economy rate of 8.60 and 47 wickets at 13.82 — elite numbers when compared with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, who tops the list.

Earlier in the match, Gleeson finished with 3 for 41, making crucial breakthroughs by bouncing out Jos Buttler, dismissing Aiden Markram at a key juncture, and yorking David Wiese late in the innings.

The Super Over didn’t start perfectly — a first-ball chance went down at long-on — but Gleeson quickly reset. Mixing sharp yorkers with well-directed short balls, he kept Buttler and Evan Jones guessing throughout.

“The plan was simple,” Gleeson explained. “Hit the yorkers, use the longer boundaries, but don’t be predictable. I wanted the batter thinking about two deliveries instead of just one.”

Jones, who had earlier smashed a personal-best 43 off 17 balls to pull DSG back into the contest, admitted Gleeson gave him nothing to work with. “He bowled a great over,” Jones said, describing the emotions as “running high everywhere”.

Despite the defeat, DSG remained upbeat. Currently third on the table with one win from four games, Jones highlighted the team’s balance and resilience. “We came close. With the experience we have and young talent like Kwena Maphaka, we tick a lot of boxes. If we keep playing good cricket, the results will follow.”

For JSK, though, the night belonged to Richard Gleeson — calm, clear-minded, and clinical — the hero of SA20’s first Super Over finish.