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Sunrisers Eastern Cape crowned SA20 kings

Adnaan MohamedCricketLeave a Comment on Sunrisers Eastern Cape crowned SA20 kings
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape confirmed their dominance of the Betway SA20 by clinching a third title in four seasons with a six-wicket win over the Pretoria Capitals in a dramatic final at Newlands on Sunday.

A sold-out Cape Town crowd watched Tristan Stubbs and Matthew Breetzke produce an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership to overhaul the target with four balls to spare.

Their heroics were required after Dewald Brevis had earlier delivered one of the finest innings the grand old ground at the foot of Table Mountain has witnessed.

Brevis sets the stage

Walking in with the Capitals reeling at 1/2, Brevis launched a fearless counter-attack, smashing a sublime 101 off 56 balls (eight fours, seven sixes). It was a statement innings from the league’s record signing, lifting Pretoria to a competitive 158/7.

Dewald Brevis

For much of the chase, that total appeared enough to hand the Capitals their maiden SA20 title as the Sunrisers slid to 48/4 and the required rate ballooned.

Stubbs flips the script

The momentum shifted dramatically in the 18th over when Stubbs tore into Gideon Peters, plundering 21 runs to revive the chase. Newlands sensed a twist as 12 runs followed off Lungi Ngidi’s penultimate over, before Stubbs delivered the decisive blow with two consecutive sixes off Bryce Parsons, to send the Orange Army into raptures.

Tristan Stubbs Photo: SA20

Sunrisers coach Adrian Birrell hailed both the spectacle and his team’s composure.

“I am really proud and thrilled. It was a hell of a final. For Dewald to play like he did and for us to hold them to 158. And then needing 13 an over for the last four-five overs,” Birrell said.

“I’m very proud. Four finals in a row is a fantastic achievement. I’m very proud of every player and the whole squad. Some players haven’t played and we’ve got a very good bench that could have played in other teams, perhaps, but I’m very proud to get here today and we’ve got to be giving ourselves a chance.

“You want to win the trophy but you want to do it the right way and set an example for the younger generation.”

‘Funny things happen under pressure’

Stubbs, leading the side to a championship in his first season as captain, admitted the tension never truly disappeared.

“So stoked, can’t explain it. Don’t know what we did or how we did it. Me and Matty out there, we were calm but probably were panicking too. We know we bat so well together. Kept looking for an over to get momentum,” Stubbs said.

“Came in the 16th over and we ran with it. Funny things happen under pressure. Have really enjoyed this month. Have had a great group to work with. We plan really well for games. It’s a great run management by Aidi (coach Adrian) and the team. And we have a good Orange Army that backs us wherever we go.”

Capitals left to reflect

For the Pretoria Capitals, it was a familiar heartbreak. Having now lost two SA20 finals to the Sunrisers, including the inaugural decider in 2023, captain Keshav Maharaj admitted the defeat would linger.

“It is disappointing to say the least. Two batters were in and got set,” Maharaj said.

“You feel the hurt of coming so close. The starts we get from both bat and ball is something we have to look at.

“Boys will hurt for a bit. I’m not someone who dwells on the negatives. But we have to rectify the mistakes if we have to win trophies as a unit.”

As the sun set behind Table Mountain, the numbers told the story: four finals, three titles, and a team that continues to thrive when the pressure is greatest.

Betway SA20 Season 4 award winners

2026 Player of the Season Quinton De Kock of Sunrisers Eastern Cape during the final of the Betway SA20 season 4 between Pretoria Capitals (PC) and The Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) held at the Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa on the 25th January 2026

Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for SA20

  • Player of the Season: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
  • Batter of the Season: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
  • Bowler of the Season: Ottneil Baartman (Paarl Royals)
  • Rising Star: Jordan Hermann (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
  • ABSA Moneyball Saver: Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
  • It’s Raining Sixes: Dewald Brevis (Pretoria Capitals)
  • Spirit of Cricket: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
  • Groundsman of the Year: Braam Mong (Newlands)

Betway SA20 Fireworks at Newlands as Super Giants outmuscle Rickelton’s masterclass

Adnaan MohamedCricket, NewsLeave a Comment on Betway SA20 Fireworks at Newlands as Super Giants outmuscle Rickelton’s masterclass
Adnaan Mohamed

Newlands crackled like a dry pitch under a blazing sun as Betway SA20 Season 4 burst into life with a run-fuelled spectacle that had the crowd riding every delivery.

On a night when bowlers were reduced to survival mode and boundaries flowed like a broken sight screen, Durban Super Giants emerged with a statement 15-run victory over MI Cape Town.

Eathan Bosch of Durban Super Giants and David Wiese of Durban Super Giants are congratulated for getting the wicket of Rassie Van Der Dussen of MI Cape Town during match 1 of the Betway SA20 season 4 between MI Cape Town (MICT) and The Durban Super Giants (DSG) held at the Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town 2025 Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for SA20

The opener was a full-blooded slugfest: 449 runs, 25 sixes and 40 fours carved into the Cape Town evening. Yet even amid the chaos, one innings shimmered brighter than most. Ryan Rickelton’s maiden SA20 century was a knock of composure and class, a left-hander painting the Newlands canvas with cuts, drives and pulls in equal measure.

His 113 off 65 balls hauled MI Cape Town within sight of an improbable chase, but it was not enough to drag them over the line.

That was because DSG had already laid down a formidable marker. Their 232/5 was not just match-winning, but record-breaking, surpassing the 204/3 scored by Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the Season 2 final at this ground.

The foundations were poured early by an all-Kiwi opening partnership that batted as if operating on a different tempo. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson dominated the Powerplay, racing to 96 inside 8.3 overs with effortless precision.

The stand ended only after a moment of brilliance: Tristan Luus dismissed Williamson for 40 off 25 balls (7×4), but the real theatre came from MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan, who sprinted back from mid-off and flung himself full length to complete a stunning catch.

Still, the Giants refused to slow. Jos Buttler (20 off 12) and Heinrich Klaasen (22 off 14) ensured the pressure never eased, even after Trent Boult removed Conway for a fluent 64 off 33 balls (7×4, 2×6).

The closing act belonged to Aiden Markram and Evan Jones. Markram tore through the middle overs with a rapid 35 off 17 balls (5×4, 1×6), while Jones delivered the late blows, finishing unbeaten on 33 from just 14 deliveries (4×4, 2×6). By the time the innings ended, DSG had scaled heights that demanded something extraordinary in reply.

MI Cape Town’s chase quickly became the Rickelton show. With Rassie van der Dussen (2) and Reeza Hendricks falling early, the left-hander carried the innings with calm authority, once again underlining his affinity with Newlands.

The tempo spiked when debutant Jason Smith arrived. His blistering 41 off 14 balls (4×4, 3×6) swung momentum sharply, momentarily tilting belief towards the home side and igniting the stands.

But DSG kept finding cracks. Smith fell, followed by Nicholas Pooran (15) and Dwaine Pretorius (5), as wickets in the death overs tightened the screws.

Rickelton was granted a reprieve on 85 when Kwena Maphaka overstepped, recalling him after a catch in the deep. The lifeline allowed him to surge to his second career T20 hundred, but the finish remained steep.

With 22 needed from the final over, Eathan Bosch held his nerve like a seasoned closer. His figures of 4/46 told the story of controlled aggression as he removed Rickelton and slammed the door on MI Cape Town’s brave pursuit.

Season 4 has barely begun, yet Newlands has already delivered a reminder: in the SA20, hesitation is punished, courage is rewarded, and entertainment is guaranteed.

MI Cape Town Ready to Defend Newlands Betway SA20 Fortress

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By Adnaan Mohamed

MI Cape Town will begin their Betway SA20 Season 4 campaign on familiar ground, returning to a Newlands venue that proved impenetrable during last season’s title run.

The defending champions were unbeaten in five home matches in Season 3, turning the historic stadium into a fortress on their march to the trophy.

Champions open SA20 Season 4 against star-studded Super Giants

Led by captain Rashid Khan, MI Cape Town boast a squad brimming with firepower. Proteas stars Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch are joined by international standouts Rashid Khan, Trent Boult and explosive new recruit Nicholas Pooran.

Rashid believes the pressure has eased following last season’s breakthrough title after two difficult campaigns.

“There was more pressure last year than this year, you know we came at the bottom twice in a row and to come up from that and win the trophy was a big thing for us as a team,” Rashid Khan said.

“I think what we did right was we played collectively as a team and we took the responsibility at certain points of the game.

“Every player is well experienced, and they will adjust themselves with the condition and the position of the team quite quickly.

“Everyone is so professional, they have played so much cricket around the world, and I think it won’t be that difficult for them to acclimatise.”

Pooran set to add power and energy

All eyes will be on Nicholas Pooran, with Rashid backing the West Indian to make an immediate impact in his new colours.

“He (Pooran) is going to bring lots of energy to the game,” Rashid said. “We know how dangerous and how good a cricketer he is.

“He is a kind of like a person who comes in smashing lots of sixes you will see. He’s a guy full of energy and entertainment and I am sure he is going to love his time here.”

Super Giants arrive with pedigree and punch

Durban’s Super Giants arrive with a revamped squad and a new leader in Aiden Markram, a two-time SA20 winner with Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Markram brings a proven winning mentality to a side packed with international quality.

Durban Super Giants captain Aiden Markram during the Betway SA20 Captain’s day prior to the start of season 4. Held at the Westin Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa on the 23rd December 2025 Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for SA20

England’s former T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler headlines a powerful batting unit that also includes New Zealand great Kane Williamson and Proteas star Heinrich Klaasen.

While West Indian all-rounder Sunil Narine is not yet available, the Super Giants have strengthened their spin resources with Proteas Test hero Simon Harmer, joining Afghanistan mystery spinner Noor Ahmad.

Markram believes the group has the right balance as they begin a new chapter.

“There is a really nice balance in the set-up and we have a nice group of guys. We have some really good all-rounders, mixed with 2-3 world class players with the likes of Buttler, Klaasen and co,” Markram said.

“I think a lot of it comes down to finding our strength as a team and our identity and what gives us the best chance to play good cricket and win games of cricket, so it’s obviously a new and exciting challenge for us in a competition with a lot of new faces.”

Sold-out Newlands set for festive opener

Cricket fever has gripped the Mother City, with the opening match completely sold out. Fans will be treated to a festival atmosphere, headlined by a live performance from award-winning DJ and GQ Man of the Year Shimza before the first ball.

With entertainment on and off the field and two star-studded teams ready to set the tone for the season, Newlands is primed for a blockbuster start to Betway SA20 Season 4.

Betway SA20 Season 4: A Summer of Sixes, Stars and Succession

Adnaan MohamedCricket, Event Update!, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Betway SA20 Season 4: A Summer of Sixes, Stars and Succession
By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s summer blockbuster is ready for its opening scene. Betway SA20 Season 4 strides to the crease on Boxing Day at Newlands, where cricket royalty and fearless young guns will collide in a festive showdown packed with promise.

The countdown gathered pace in Cape Town as League Commissioner Graeme Smith addressed the media alongside a who’s who of SA20 captains: Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tristan Stubbs. The message was clear: the league is no longer finding its feet, it’s sprinting between the wickets.

“I’m very excited. I think from our perspective, it has been three great seasons building up to where we are now,” Smith said.

“We are really looking forward to a great summer of cricket. The players on my left and right, having spoken to them this morning, are also really looking forward to performing well over the next coming weeks.”

Smith believes SA20 has become fertile ground for South Africa’s next wave of talent.

“We’re starting to see an influx of talent performing well. It’s an incredible opportunity for those youngsters to be exposed to the quality of the game, to learn and to use the League as a platform for them.

“It’s not just the 15 players that play for South Africa in the year, but another 60-odd players that have developed.”

A new chapter begins for Aiden Markram, who swaps Sunrisers Eastern Cape success for fresh challenges at Durban’s Super Giants.

“It’s exciting being with the new team,” Markram said. “The competition is such a great time of year in South Africa. I’ve said it now quite a few times, but guys really enjoy it. The fans love it.”

No player embodies SA20’s growth more than Tristan Stubbs. Once a Rising Star, the Gqeberha local now captains Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

“I’m really excited and just keen to get going. We sort of followed a similar blueprint to the first year. A lot of the team is based around local boys who know PE, live in and around PE. Just being a PE boy brings that culture and that extra fight to play for the team in front of a home crowd,” Stubbs said.

At Joburg Super Kings, Faf du Plessis is embracing a youthful revolution.

“I feel there was a shift in his (Fleming) style when it comes to looking at younger players and backing younger players,” Du Plessis said.

“This year especially we have a very young squad… That’s the nature of the beast of SA20.”

David Miller expects raw hunger to be the difference-maker.

“There’s going to be a lot of energy, enthusiasm from the youngsters… This is the month to enjoy the season and have a lot of fun and play extremely competitive cricket at the same time.”

New leadership also arrives in Centurion, where Keshav Maharaj eyes Highveld challenges.

“Every novel opens with a new chapter, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Maharaj said.

Defending champions MI Cape Town, meanwhile, lean on chemistry as Kagiso Rabada sharpens the attack.

“Familiarity is a key thing. You need to bond with your teammates,” Rabada said.

With opening-night tickets already sold out, SA20 Season 4 is shaping up as a summer where every ball matters, and the future of South African cricket swings freely.