Kane Williamson and Chris Woakes join Durban's Super Giants ahead of SA20 2025

Kane Williamson and Chris Woakes have joined the Durban's Super Giants (DSG) ahead of the upcoming edition of SA20 2025. It will be their first stint in SA 20.

Following New Zealand's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, the former Black Caps skipper asserted that he is looking to be part of SA20 in 2025. While Williamson declined the central contract, the veteran expressed his desire to play for the country for as long as he can, but predicted himself to miss some fixtures.

English cricketer Woakes has been a key part of the white-ball side for a long time, playing instrumental roles in their 50-over World Cup and T20 World Cup victories in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

However, he wasn't part of England's T20 World Cup campaign this year. Woakes' teammate Joe Root has already signed a contract with Paarl Royals, while Ben Stokes is likely to accept the lucrative deal offered by MI Cape Town.

Durban's Super Giants finished as the runners-up in SA20 2024

Meanwhile, the Super Giants, led by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj reached the final of SA20 2024, losing to SunRisers Eastern Cape, captained by Aiden Markram. After electing to bat first, the SunRisers racked up 204 in their stipulated 20 overs as Tom Abell and Tristan Stubbs struck explosive half-centuries.

In reply, the Super Giants struggled to keep up with the required run-rate, with only Matthew Bretzkee, Wiaan Mulder, Dwaine Pretorius, and Junior Dala getting to double figures. Left-arm seamer Marco Jansen finished with a fifer as the SunRisers lifted the title for the second time, winning by 89 runs. The SunRisers had beaten the Pretoria Capitals in the inaugural edition.

The SA20 2025 runs from January 9 to February 8. July 21 was the deadline for retentions, while August 31 is the final date for direct signings.