The third edition of SA20 kicked off with an emphatic performance by MI Cape Town, who secured a commanding 97-run victory over Sunrisers Eastern Cape at St George’s Park. The tournament opener set the tone for an exciting season, with Delano Potgieter delivering a note-worthy all-round performance.
MI Cape Town’s innings: A power-packed display
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Sunrisers Eastern Cape faced a solid batting effort from MI Cape Town. Despite losing opener Reeza Hendricks for a duck, MI Cape Town regrouped quickly. Dewald Brevis starred with a scintillating knock of 57 off just 29 balls, smashing two fours and six sixes. His explosive batting dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack and laid a strong foundation for a competitive total.
Contributions from Colin Ingram (22 off 18) and Connor Esterhuizen (22 off 21) helped stabilize the innings, while George Linde (23 off 17) added valuable runs in the middle order. Delano Potgieter’s late fireworks, with 25 not out off just 12 balls, ensured MI Cape Town finished on a strong note at 174/7 in 20 overs.
Among Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s bowlers, Richard Gleeson stood out with figures of 2/22 in his four overs. Marco Jansen also picked up two crucial wickets but conceded 38 runs. Despite their efforts, the Sunrisers bowlers couldn’t contain the MI Cape Town batters in the death overs.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s innings: A batting collapse
Chasing 175 for victory, Sunrisers Eastern Cape struggled from the outset. Trent Boult struck early, dismissing Jordan Hermann and Tom Abell cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling. Captain Aiden Markram (19 off 19) and Zak Crawley (12 off 14) attempted to rebuild but failed to gain momentum.
The middle order crumbled under relentless pressure from MI Cape Town’s bowlers. Delano Potgieter delivered a career-best bowling performance, claiming a sensational 5/10 in three overs. His spell ripped through the Sunrisers lineup, leaving them all out for just 77 in 15 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai and George Linde also contributed with one wicket each, while Trent Boult picked up two wickets in his fiery opening spell.
MI Cape Town won by 97 runs
Scorecard: https://t.co/GgjptQCydX#SA20 #cricket #SECvMICT pic.twitter.com/e3nRm1sYEd
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 10, 2025
Player of the Match
Delano Potgieter’s all-round brilliance was the highlight of the game. His quickfire 25 runs at the death boosted MI Cape Town’s total, and his devastating five-wicket haul sealed a resounding victory. Potgieter’s ability to deliver under pressure made him the undisputed Player of the Match.
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