SA20 recap: Five things we learned from the first weekend of T20 action

SA summers are unpredictable

Those expecting nothing but sunshine and cricket in the summer on the Southern tip of Africa have already come in for a big surprise after both of the first two matches of the tournament were affected by rain.

The opening game was washed out entirely before a single ball had been bowled while the Durban Super Giants were denied what would have been a record run chase by rain, even though the Duckworth-Lewis method meant they were declared winners of the match anyway.

Something needs to be done to decrease the impact of the weather, even if it means reserve days and games played without television cameras. 

Declaring a no-result due to an afternoon of rain feels extreme and is only necessary because T20 tournaments are arranged to be completed as quickly as possible.

Fans can't catch

One of the headline sponsors of the SA20 is offering a prize of R2million to be shared between all fans that can catch a six cleanly and with one hand.

As you can expect, the result is fans flying around the park every time the ball goes in the air, largely with hilarious and unsuccessful results.

Even though 92 sixes were hit in the first six games, including the fact the first was entirely rained out, it took until the sixth match in Pretoria on Sunday for a fan to successfully make a one-handed grab.

Neither can MI Cape Town

While MI Cape Town have been vastly improved from the first season in many areas, fielding is not one of them.

On course to pick up their first win of season two against Joburg Super Kings, they made it as difficult as possible after putting four catches down.

Things got even more embarrassing for MI Cape Town's players in the 16th over when Dillion Shepherd smashed another one over the fence, only for it to be caught cleanly and easily by their fielding coach James Pamment with a massive scowl on his face.

It was notable how almost every fielder avoided his gaze.

But they can bat

The Cape Townian's biggest problem in the first season of SA20 was the failure of their batters. Too often the bowlers had far too little to defend and the team paid the ultimate price by finishing last.

It has been entirely a different story so far with their top order humming along in supreme form. In their two innings so far, they have scored 207/5 and 243/5.

Ryan Rickleton has scores of 87 and 98 and Rassie van der Dussen already has a hundred - if they can just get Dewald Brevis firing, they will truly be a force to be reckoned with.

And so can everyone else

While South Africa is famous for seamer-friendly pitches, it seems as if CSA has gone in a different direction with SA20 and the batters are in paradise.

In five completed games so far - the first was rained out - there have been five scores over 200 and it looks like it is shaping up to be a long tournament for the bowlers.

Things have been especially brutal for the spinners, who are usually the ones expected to keep the run rate in check in the early overs.

READ MORE: Paarl Royals make it two wins in two over Pretoria Capitals