The Sunrisers Eastern Cape emerged as the winners of the inaugural SA20 after securing a hard-fought four-wicket victory over the Pretoria Capitals in the championship final at Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.
The match, which had originally been scheduled for the previous day but was postponed due to inclement weather, was a nail-biting encounter filled with drama and excitement, with the sold-out crowd at the Bullring creating a fantastic atmosphere. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape put in a commanding performance, bowling out the Capitals for a total of 135 runs, thanks in large part to the excellent bowling of veteran spinner Roelof van Merwe, who took 4 wickets for 31 runs.
The Sunrisers' run chase started slowly, with Temba Bavuma departing early on, but Adam Rossington steadied the ship with a brilliant 30-ball 57. Despite a valiant effort from Anrich Nortje, who took 2 wickets for 21 runs, the Sunrisers were able to reach their target in 16.3 overs, securing the championship title.
Award winners from the SA20 tournament include Sunrisers Eastern Cape as both the champions and the team with the "Spirit of the Season," Eathan Bosch of the Pretoria Capitals as the "Rising Star," Jos Buttler of the Paarl Royals as the "Batter of the Season," Roelof van Merwe of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape as the "Bowler of the Season," and Aiden Markram of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape as the "Player of the Season."
In conclusion, the SA20 was a thrilling tournament, filled with standout performances and memorable moments. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape will go down in history as the first-ever champions of this exciting new competition.