Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape secured a commanding 32-run victory over Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 Eliminator match, bringing an end to the Super Kings’ campaign. With this win, Eastern Cape have advanced to Qualifier-2, where they will face Paarl Royals. The winner of this match will progress to the SA20 Final, while the losing side will be eliminated.
Eastern Cape Dominate Super Kings
The match, held at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday, saw Joburg Super Kings winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Sunrisers Eastern Cape posted a total of 184/6 in 20 overs, with captain Aiden Markram leading the charge with an unbeaten 62 off 40 balls. In response, Super Kings struggled and could only manage 152/7 in 20 overs, falling 32 runs short.
Markram’s match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
Markram Anchors Eastern Cape’s Innings
Batting first, Eastern Cape got off to a shaky start, losing their first wicket at 46 runs, as Tony de Zorzi departed after scoring 14 off 9 balls. The team quickly lost its second wicket at 48 runs, with David Bedingham dismissed for 27 runs.
By the time Eastern Cape reached 75, they had already lost four wickets. However, Markram stepped up, stabilizing the innings with a crucial 62-run knock off 40 balls. He was well-supported by Tristan Stubbs, with whom he forged a 56-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
For Joburg Super Kings, Imran Tahir and Hardus Viljoen took two wickets each, while Maheesh Theekshana and Moeen Ali picked up one wicket each.
Super Kings Struggle in the Chase
Chasing a target of 185, Super Kings suffered an early setback, losing their first wicket at 40 runs. Opener Devon Conway played a quick 30 off 20 balls before being dismissed.
Jonny Bairstow top-scored for Super Kings with 37 runs, but his efforts were in vain as the team kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Evan Jones remained unbeaten on 22 off 17 balls, but the team ultimately fell short.
For Eastern Cape, Ottniel Baartman, Liam Dawson, and Craig Overton picked up two wickets each, while Marco Jansen chipped in with one wicket.
Eastern Cape Eye Third Consecutive SA20 Title
Sunrisers Eastern Cape have dominated SA20 since its inception, having won the first two editions of the tournament under Aiden Markram’s leadership. They clinched their maiden title by defeating Pretoria Capitals in the inaugural season and successfully defended their title by defeating Durban Super Giants in the previous edition.
