Cape Town: Sunrisers Eastern Cape asserted their supremacy in the SA20 league by convincingly defending their title, overpowering Durban Super Giants in a thrilling final at Newlands, Cape Town. The Sunrisers’ relentless batting display, led by Jordan Hermann, Tom Abell, Aiden Markram, and Tristan Stubbs, propelled them to a formidable total exceeding 200. Marco Jansen’s exceptional five-wicket haul further solidified their grip on the championship.
In a strategic move, Sunrisers captain Aiden Markram opted to set a target, putting pressure on the Super Giants. Despite an early setback with Dawid Malan’s dismissal, Hermann and Abell’s explosive partnership laid the groundwork for their team. The acceleration continued after the PowerPlay, with Stubbs and Markram contributing significantly to a crucial fourth-wicket stand.
Although Keshav Maharaj provided a brief respite for the Super Giants by taking two wickets in the 11th over, Stubbs and Markram’s resilience propelled Sunrisers to a formidable total. The death overs witnessed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, setting up a challenging target of over 200 runs for the Super Giants.
Durban Super Giants, in pursuit of the daunting target, faced early setbacks as Daniel Worrall and Marco Jansen dismantled their top order. Worrall’s early dismissal of Quinton de Kock and Jansen’s double strike in the fourth over crippled the Super Giants. Despite efforts from Breetzke and Mulder, Sunrisers continued to tighten the screws.
Simon Harmer’s crucial wicket and Ottniel Baartman’s impactful spell further dented the Super Giants’ hopes. Jansen returned to mop up the tail, completing a remarkable five-wicket haul as the Super Giants crumbled to 115 all out in 17 overs.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s comprehensive 89-run victory showcased their batting prowess and bowling dominance, securing their position as the SA20 champions for the second consecutive season.
Brief Scores: Sunrisers Eastern Cape 204/3 in 20 overs (Tristan Stubbs 56, Tom Abell 55, Aiden Markram 42*, Jordan Hermann 42; Keshav Mahara 2-33)* Durban Super Giants 115 in 17 overs (Wiaan Mulder 38; Marco Jansen 5-30)
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