Johannesburg: MI Cape Town clinched their first-ever Betway SA20 title with a commanding victory over Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the final at a packed Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.
Star pacer Kagiso Rabada delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 4/25 to bowl out the defending champions for just 105 in their chase of 182.
Rabada's fiery spell dismantled Sunrisers’ top order, with the fast bowler also taking a stunning diving catch to dismiss skipper Aiden Markram at a crucial moment. He was well supported by spinners George Linde (2/20) and Rashid Khan (1/19), ensuring MI Cape Town’s dominance.
Batting first after winning the toss, MI Cape Town got off to a blistering start with Ryan Rickelton smashing 33 off 15 balls, including four sixes.
Despite losing Reeza Hendricks for a duck, MI Cape Town kept the scoreboard ticking, thanks to crucial contributions from Dewald Brevis (38 off 18) and Connor Esterhuizen (39 off 26). Their middle-order partnerships proved pivotal in setting a challenging target of 181/8.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape struggled from the outset, losing early wickets and never recovering. Despite a 57-run stand between Tom Abell and Tony de Zorzi, their chase crumbled under pressure, with Rabada sealing MI Cape Town’s historic triumph.
With this victory, MI Cape Town secured their maiden SA20 title, marking a significant achievement in the tournament’s history.
Brief Scores:
MI Cape Town 181/8 (Ryan Rickelton 33, Dewald Brevis 38, Connor Esterhuizen 39; Craig Overton 2/34)
Sunrisers Eastern Cape 105 all out (Tom Abell 31, Tony de Zorzi 26; Kagiso Rabada 4/25, George Linde 2/20)