SA20: Lungi Ngidi Delivers Sensational Hat-Trick in Pretoria Capitals’ Win
South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi etched his name into the history books on January 7, becoming the first player ever to take a hat-trick in the SA20. Ngidi’s sensational spell under pressure powered Pretoria Capitals to a hard-fought 15-run victory over Durban Super Giants in Durban, sealing the Capitals’ second win of the season.
Ngidi’s Hat-Trick Turns the Match on Its Head
The defining moment of the contest arrived in the 18th over of Durban’s chase. With the Super Giants needing 44 runs from the final three overs, the game was finely balanced, and the home crowd sensed a thrilling finish.
Ngidi, entrusted with the responsibility of bowling at the death, delivered three perfect balls in succession, triggering a dramatic collapse:
David Wiese (8) was dismissed first, failing to clear the field
Sunil Narine fell on the very next delivery
Gerald Coetzee was trapped on the third ball
Ngidi finished with figures of 3/39 from four overs, conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.75, but delivering when it mattered most.
First Hat-Trick in SA20 History
Hat-tricks are rare in franchise cricket, and Ngidi’s achievement carries added significance as it marked the first-ever hat-trick in the SA20 league. The milestone highlighted both the growing competitiveness of South Africa’s premier T20 tournament and Ngidi’s ability to thrive under intense pressure.
IPL Context: Delhi Capitals Gain a Bowler in Form
Ngidi’s performance will be closely watched in India as he prepares to join Delhi Capitals, who secured his services at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi for his base price of ₹2 crore.
Notably, Ngidi was also part of the IPL 2025 title-winning squad of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, further underlining his pedigree in big-match environments.
Shai Hope’s Record-Breaking Century Sets the Platform
Earlier in the match, Pretoria Capitals posted a formidable 201/4, thanks to a breathtaking innings from Shai Hope.
Hope registered the highest individual score in SA20 history, smashing an unbeaten 118 off 69 balls. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression and acceleration, featuring:
9 fours
9 sixes
Strike rate of 171.01
For Durban Super Giants, Kwena Maphaka, David Wiese, and Gerald Coetzee picked up one wicket each, but were unable to stem the flow of runs as Pretoria’s batters dominated.
Buttler Fights, but Durban Fall Short
In reply, Durban Super Giants were kept alive by a superb knock from Jos Buttler, who produced a fighting 97.
Alongside Ngidi, Gideon Peters played a crucial supporting role for Pretoria Capitals, picking up 3 wickets for 35 runs at an economy rate of 8.75, applying pressure through the middle overs and setting the stage for Ngidi’s dramatic finish.
Once the hat-trick arrived, the contest was effectively sealed, with Durban eventually finishing 15 runs short of the target.
Key Takeaways
Lungi Ngidi: First-ever hat-trick in SA20 history
Shai Hope: Record-breaking 118*, highest individual SA20 score
Jos Buttler: Lone resistance with a superb 97
Pretoria Capitals: Second win of the season
Conclusion
Lungi Ngidi’s historic hat-trick will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the SA20 season. Combining composure, skill, and perfect execution, the fast bowler delivered under immense pressure to secure a vital victory for Pretoria Capitals.
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