Durban, Jan. 14 -- Under a nippy Durban afternoon sky, a seven-year-old let rip a couple of leg-breaks at the SA20 fan park just outside Kingsmead. Three plastic stumps stood inside makeshift nets, mirroring a training session more than a pre-match carnival. His father, Shane Viera, watched closely, offering gentle cues after each delivery. When the turn came to an end, he slung the kit bag over his shoulder, patted his son on the back, and stepped aside - making room for the next eager participant.

There was still over an hour to go before Durban's Super Giants faced Pretoria Capitals, but Kingsmead was already stirring. Rain had lingered through the morning, the wind stayed sharp, and thick clouds threatened more interruptions. The for...