A commanding batting display, followed by Kagiso Rabada’s four-wicket haul, propelled MI Cape Town to a dominant 76-run victory over defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 2025 final at The Wanderers on Saturday.
The Sunrisers, winners of the first two editions of the tournament, failed to extend their reign as Rashid Khan’s MI Cape Town outclassed them in all departments.
Opting to bat first, Cape Town posted a formidable 181/8 in 20 overs, courtesy of crucial contributions from Connor Esterhuizen and Dewald Brevis. The duo stitched together a vital 50-run stand for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings.
Esterhuizen top-scored with a brisk 26-ball 39, striking two fours and two sixes, while Brevis added an explosive 38 off just 18 deliveries, including two fours and four sixes. At the top, Ryan Rickelton provided a fiery start with 33 off 15 balls, smashing one four and four sixes.
For the Sunrisers, Marco Jansen, Richard Gleeson, and Liam Dawson claimed two wickets each, while Aiden Markram and Craig Overton chipped in with one apiece.
Rabada Runs Riot as Sunrisers Collapse
Chasing 182, Sunrisers Eastern Cape faltered under pressure and were bundled out for a mere 105 in 18.4 overs. Their batting lineup struggled to counter Cape Town’s disciplined attack, with only Tom Abell (30), Tony de Zorzi (26), and Tristan Stubbs (15) reaching double figures.
Rabada was the chief destroyer, returning figures of 4/25 in 3.4 overs, while Trent Boult and George Linde picked up two wickets each. Boult’s exceptional economy—conceding just nine runs in his four overs—earned him the Player of the Match award.
With this comprehensive victory, MI Cape Town secured their maiden SA20 title, bringing an end to the Sunrisers’ dominance in the competition.
Leave a Reply