'The first game gives you momentum' – Tony de Zorzi eyes strong start with Durban's Super Giants

Tony de Zorzi has switched to Durban's Super Giants after a standout performance in the Season 3 Qualifier. The South African batter scored a match-winning 78 for Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Centurion, demonstrating his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. His move to Durban comes as the franchise prepares for the 2027 campaign following a fifth-place finish in the previous season.

De Zorzi will partner with captain Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Jos Buttler, Sunil Narine and Devon Conway as the Super Giants chase their maiden SA20 title. The opening match against Pretoria Capitals on January 19, 2027 marks the start of a 10-match league stage leading into the knockouts. De Zorzi spoke to SA20 about the importance of starting well in the tournament.

"The first game allows you to set a foundation and give yourself some momentum. Local knowledge is going to be important for us. Obviously, we have 'Sauce' (Markram), which is amazing for us. His knowledge is obviously being used by everyone, and all the local players know the conditions well. Everyone enjoys playing at Centurion. It's always good games, high-scoring games, and the crowd is always exciting there, so I'm sure it'll be a great start," Zorzi said to SA20.

Overall, in SA20 De Zorzi has played 11 games and scored 189 runs which includes one half-century. The left-handed batter will be looking to showcase his strength using all his international experience to guide his franchise in the fifth edition of the league.

Aiden Markram's record at Centurion underscores the advantage of having a captain steeped in the venue's nuances. In T20 cricket at the ground, Markram has accumulated 783 runs across 25 innings at an average of 43.5 with a strike rate of 143.4. His SA20 record at Centurion is even more impressive, with an average of 55.5 and a strike rate of 150. These statistics demonstrate why De Zorzi and his teammates will lean on Markram's experience as they prepare for their campaign opener.