[Watch] Tom Abell makes spectacular attempt to save a maximum during SA20 2024 match

SunRisers Eastern Cape cricketer Tom Abell made an outstanding attempt to prevent the ball from going for a six in the SA20 2024 game against the Durban Super Giants on Saturday. However, the Taunton-born player's efforts went in vain as the third umpire adjudged that the ball was a maximum.

The incident occurred in the 18th over of the first innings, bowled by Daniel Worrall. Jon-Jon Smuts, who was on strike, pulled it to deep square leg. With the ball getting away from Abell, he caught the ball with his right hand and threw it back, knowing he was going beyond the rope. Unfortunately, the Englishman had touched the rope before making first contact with the ball.

The Super Giants put on a power-packed batting display as their opening pair of Matthew Breetzke and Quinton de Kock stitched together a partnership of 58. Smuts top-scored with 75 off 38 deliveries, while Nicholas Pooran hammered 60 off 31 balls to set up 226 for the opposition to win.

Tom Abell top-scores for SEC, but defending champions go down by 35 runs

Meanwhile, the run-chase of 226 proved to be a bridge too far for the SunRisers Eastern Cape. Adam Rossington and Jordan Hermann fell for single-figure scores to start the innings. Abell and skipper Aiden Markram joined hands to put on a 93-run stand before the latter's untimely dismissal.

The 29-year-old Englishman followed Markram soon after for 65, leaving Tristan Stubbs to wage a lone battle. Stubbs, who blasted a 26-ball 55, found no support from the other end as none of the remaining batters managed to reach double figures.

Smuts, Richard Gleeson, and Dwaine Pretorious took two wickets each to fashion a 35-run victory for the Super Giants. DSG are also at the top of the table, having won both their games comfortably.