MI Cape Town defeat Sunrisers Eastern Cape to clinch their first-ever SA20 title
Boult earns the Player of the Match award for his impressive and economical bowling performance.
JOHANNESBURG: A strong batting performance followed by Kagiso Rabada’s four-wicket haul guided MI Cape Town to a dominant 76-run victory over defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, securing their first SA20 title at The Wanderers on Saturday.
The Sunrisers, who had claimed the title in the first two editions of the league, were outclassed by the Rashid Khan-led MI Cape Town, who broke their winning streak this year.
Choosing to bat first, Khan’s decision paid off as MI Cape Town posted a competitive total of 181/8 in their 20 overs.
The middle-order pairing of Connor Esterhuizen and Dewald Brevis made significant contributions with a 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Esterhuizen top-scored with 39 off 26 balls, including two fours and two sixes, while Brevis added a quick-fire 38 off 18 balls, striking two fours and four sixes.
Ryan Rickelton also provided valuable runs at the top, blasting 33 off 15 balls with one four and four sixes.
For the Sunrisers, Marco Jansen, Richard Gleeson, and Liam Dawson took two wickets each, while Aiden Markram and Craig Overton claimed one wicket apiece.
In response, the Sunrisers’ chase faltered, ending at just 105 in 18.4 overs, as they failed to defend their title. Tom Abell, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs were the only Sunrisers batters to reach double figures. Abell was the top-scorer with 30, followed by de Zorzi with 26, and Stubbs contributing 15.
Rabada was the star bowler for MI Cape Town, taking four wickets for just 25 runs in 3.4 overs. Trent Boult and George Linde each claimed two wickets.
Boult was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, with figures of 2/9 from four overs.
