Last Updated on 3 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Durban Super Giants (DSG) will challenge the Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) in the 18th match of SA20 2025/26. Kingsmead, Durban, will host this game on 9th January 2026 at 9 PM IST.

DSG are 5th in the points table with one win, three losses, and a couple of washed-out games. They lost their last game by 15 runs against the Pretoria Capitals. Jos Buttler’s knock will be a big boost for them, but their biggest concern is the form of their other big guns in Aiden Markram, Kane Williamson, and Heinrich Klaasen. 

Bowling-wise, while Narine’s inclusion has bolstered their bowling, they have been below average with the ball until now. Now it’s a do-or-die kind of situation, and they must regroup and perform as a team.

Meanwhile, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape are sitting pretty at the top of the table with three wins, one loss, and a washed-out match. Their openers – Jonny Bairstow (85* runs) and Quinton de Kock (79* runs) – chased down 176 runs with 5.4 overs to spare. The middle order, especially skipper Tristan Stubbs’ form, is a concern, however.

Anrich Nortje and Adam Milne have been in excellent form, but Marco Jansen is yet to perform as per his standards. Their spin attack also looks a little lighter, but they have good depth with both bat and ball and are in exceptional form as a side. The two-time champions will look to strengthen their position in this game.

SA20 2025/26 18th Match: DSG vs SEC Probable Playing XIs

Durban Super Giants: 1. Marques Ackermann, 2. Kane Williamson, 3. Jos Buttler (wk), 4. Aiden Markram (c), 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. Evan Jones, 7. David Wiese, 8. Sunil Narine, 9. Gerald Coetzee, 10. Noor Ahmad, 11. Kwena Maphaka

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Matthew Breetzke, 4. Jordan Hermann, 5. Tristan Stubbs (c), 6. Marco Jansen, 7. Lewis Gregory, 8. Senuran Muthusamy, 9. Lutho Sipamla, 10. Adam Milne, 11. Anrich Nortje

Kingsmead Durban Pitch Report and Weather

It was an excellent batting wicket in the last game at Durban, and it’s expected to play similarly in this match too. The ball will come onto the bat nicely, allowing the batters to play their shots. There will be some movement with the new ball, and the spinners will get some aid as well. 

Scores in the range of 180-200 are expected, and teams will prefer chasing. Light rain (30-40%) is expected during the game time.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for DSG vs SEC: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

• Jos Buttler scored 97* runs in the last game. He finally came back to form, and it will be a good sign for DSG going forward in the tournament. 
• He’s one of the best batters in T20 cricket and can win games single-handedly on his day. Buttler will be a top C/VC option as well. 
• Quinton de Kock scored 79* in the last game against the Pretoria Capitals. He, alongside Jonny Bairstow, saw his side over the line. De Kock has 205 runs in four innings at an average of 68.33 at a strike rate of 173.73, including two fifties. He will be another top C/VC choice.
• Jonny Bairstow played a blistering knock of 85* runs in the last match. He was at his brutal best in the last match. Bairstow will look to bat aggressively at the top, and he will be in for another big score in this game.

Key batter picks: 

• Jordan Hermann has 146 runs in three innings this season at an average of 73, and his strike rate is 175.90. He’s been the best batter for the Sunrisers in the middle order and will be a top fantasy pick.

Top all-rounder picks: 

• Aiden Markram hasn’t been at his best this season so far, but he’s a quality player and is among the best batters in the league. He can also roll his arm over if required. Markram will be a must pick, as a big knock feels just around the corner for him.
• Marco Jansen too hasn’t been at his best, but he’s another top-quality player whom you don’t want to miss from your fantasy teams. He’s arguably the best all-rounder in the league, and you can try him as C/VC in some of your teams.
• Sunil Narine’s economy in the last game was 5.5 when the others were going for more than 10. He’s a skillful bowler and a genuine wicket-taker. Narine can also contribute with the bat. Not many people are picking him, but he’ll fancy his chances against the Sunrisers batting unit.

Key bowler picks: 

• Noor Ahmad has been off-colour this season till now, but he’s a genuine wicket-taker and loves playing at Kingsmead. He will be a threat to the Sunrisers batting unit, especially in the middle overs. Try him as C/VC. 
• Anrich Nortje has nine wickets to his name in four matches; he’s currently the third-highest wicket-taker of this season. He’s bowling quick and has looked in good rhythm too. 
• Adam Milne has been in top form with eight wickets in four matches. He can trouble Durban’s struggling opening pair and their lower order. A top fantasy pick for this game.

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

• Heinrich Klaasen has been horribly out of touch this season. He scored 16 off 17 in the last game without hitting any boundaries. But he loves batting at Durban and will be a good player to try as captain in this game.

Alternative picks you can consider: 

• David Wiese
• Kwena Maphaka
• Tristan Stubbs
• Matthew Breetzke

Other Matchups and Facts 

• Of the eight games played between the two sides in the SA20, Sunrisers have won six, with one washed out and only one win for the Durban Super Giants.
• Quinton de Kock vs Sunil Narine (T20s): 82 deliveries, 72 runs, and 5 dismissals. 
• Quinton de Kock vs Gerald Coetzee (T20s): 22 deliveries, 36 runs, and 3 dismissals.  
• Jordan Hermann vs Gerald Coetzee (T20s): 8 deliveries, 6 runs, and 2 dismissals. 
• Matthew Breetzke vs David Wiese (T20s): 4 deliveries, 1 run, and 2 dismissals. 

SA20 2025/26 18th Match: DSG vs SEC Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Option 2:

SA20 2025/26 18th Match: DSG vs SEC Match Prediction: Who will win?

The Durban Super Giants are struggling badly to perform as a side. The likes of Aiden Markram, Kane Williamson, and Heinrich Klaasen have been abysmal with the bat, which has hurt them big time. Sunrisers, on the other hand, are playing really well, with their openers in solid form and the bowlers performing superbly. 

Sunrisers Eastern Cape to win.

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All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.