In a high-octane opening fixture at the iconic ground nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, fans were treated to a run-fest just shy of 450 runs, setting the tone for what promises to be another blockbuster season.

Led by Proteas T20 captain Aiden Markram, the DSG won the toss and elected to bat first - a decision that proved spot on a flat Newlands deck.

Devon Conway. Photo: Cricinfo

Fuelled by the New Zealand Black Caps duo of South African-born Devon Conway and Kane Williamson, DSG raced to 96 inside the first nine overs. Williamson looked in ominous touch before being dismissed for a fluent 40 off 25 balls.

Conway, fresh off a purple patch against the West Indies, anchored the innings with a classy 64 off 33 deliveries, peppering the boundary with seven fours and two sixes.

The fireworks continued at the backend as Markram muscled 35 off just 17 balls, while former Northern Cape Heat all-rounder Evan Jones provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 33 off 14. DSG eventually posted a formidable 232/5 in their 20 overs.

Aiden Markram. Photo: Cricinfo

For MI Cape Town, George Linde was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/46, while Trent Boult, Corbin Bosch and Tristan Luus chipped in with a wicket apiece.

In reply, Proteas opener Ryan Rickelton produced a sensational knock, smashing a magnificent 113 off 63 balls to keep the chase alive. His innings included five fours and a towering 11 sixes, lighting up Newlands despite the mounting required rate.

Jason Smith was electric in support with a rapid 41 off 14 balls, while former Knights batter Reeza Hendricks added 28. However, Rickelton was left fighting a lone battle as the target ultimately proved a bridge too far.

Ryan Rickelton. Photo: Cricinfo

DSG seamer Eathan Bosch - the younger brother of Corbin and son of the late Proteas fast bowler Tertius Bosch - was outstanding, claiming 4/46 and applying the brakes at key moments. MI Cape Town were restricted to 217/7, with Corbin Bosch managing to edge a four off his brother from the final ball of the match.

Despite ending on the losing side, Rickelton was named Player of the Match and remained upbeat afterwards, insisting there was no need for panic after game one.

“We were pretty average at times, but that’s the strength of our team - we still got pretty close,” Rickelton said.

“There’s a lot to look forward to and plenty we can improve on. It’s special being out in Cape Town with this group. The guys really enjoyed it.

“It was a bit chaotic - we haven’t quite found our straps yet. It’s the first game, but you’ll only see us improve from here.

“The conditions have been good for batting over the last couple of years, there’s no doubt about that. And you get up for moments like this, for this team and the opportunity to play at Newlands. It’s a special place to play consistently.

“The beauty of Cape Town and South Africa is that you can get outside, experience more than just cricket and get out of your own head. That’s something I really enjoy.”

The SA20 action continues on Saturday with a mouth-watering double-header. At 13:00, the Pretoria Capitals host the Joburg Super Kings at SuperSport Park in a fiery Jukskei Derby. Later, at 17:30, attention shifts to Boland Park in Paarl where the Paarl Royals welcome two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

On Sunday, DSG and MI Cape Town renew hostilities in the first return fixture at Kingsmead in Durban, with the clash scheduled to get underway at 15:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek