Have opted for a tactical squad adjustment as the SA20 2025–26 season enters its decisive phase. The franchise has signed England all-rounder as a replacement for New Zealand batter, who has departed the tournament due to international commitments.
With the league table tightly packed and playoff qualification still wide open, the move reflects Durban’s intent to add experience and versatility to the squad ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
Conway Released Due to International Duty
Devon Conway has been made unavailable for the remainder of the SA20 season after being named in New Zealand’s squad for an upcoming white-ball tour of India. The tour includes a series of limited-overs matches scheduled across January, requiring Conway to return to national duty.
Conway’s departure leaves a gap at the top of the order, where his composure and consistency had provided stability. His release was necessitated by scheduling overlap rather than performance concerns, prompting Durban to look for a like-for-like impact player rather than a direct positional replacement.
Livingstone Adds Power and Flexibility
In Liam Livingstone, the Super Giants have secured a player known for his ability to influence games across multiple disciplines. The England international brings explosive batting through the middle order, part-time spin options, and leadership experience gained from captaining roles in domestic competitions.
Livingstone arrives following a productive run in franchise cricket. During the Indian Premier League earlier in the year, he played a supporting role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign, contributing useful runs and offering tactical flexibility. His form carried into England’s domestic summer, where he led Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred and finished as the side’s highest run-scorer while also contributing with the ball.
He later backed that up with consistent performances in the T20 Blast for Lancashire, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable option in high-pressure environments.
Durban’s Position in the Tournament
At the halfway stage of the league phase, Durban Super Giants find themselves firmly in contention for a playoff berth. The side has experienced mixed results so far, combining strong performances with matches affected by weather interruptions.
Sitting in the middle of the standings, Durban remain within touching distance of the teams occupying the top positions. The addition of Livingstone is expected to strengthen the squad balance as margins between qualification and elimination continue to narrow.
Focus Shifts to Upcoming Fixtures
Durban Super Giants are scheduled to face in their next outing at Kingsmead. With several league games remaining, the fixture presents an opportunity to consolidate their position and build momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
As the SA20 progresses toward its business end, squad depth and adaptability are likely to play a decisive role. Durban’s decision to bring in an established all-rounder underlines their intent to remain competitive as the playoff race intensifies.
