The SA20 2025 season they started with amazing results as professional defenders Sunrisers Eastern Cape they suffered a humiliating 97-run defeat MI Cape Town at St George's Park, Gqeberha. This was no ordinary loss but one that set several records, making the contest the most one-sided in the tournament's history.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape's batting slump and record lows
Chasing a tough target of 175, the Sunrisers' batting line-up suffered a spectacular collapse, just a wicket away. 77 runs in 15 overs. This was the lowest in SA20 history, surpassing their previous record of 122/9 against the Pretoria Capitals in 2024. It was also the team's second lowest in the competition's three-year history.
The fall was led by Delano Potgieterwho had a dream, taking an impressive 5/10, the second-highest in SA20 history, leaving the Sunriers speechless. Only Aiden Markram he showed resistance with a meager 19 runs, while the rest of the batting failed to cross double digits. Trent Boult he added to the misery with the fiery beast of the 2/16th, including the driving back of the English duo. Zak Crawley (12) is Tom Abell (0), further increasing Sunrisers' hopes at the start of the chase.
The recovery of MI Cape Town is a major contribution
MI Cape Town showed resilience after a difficult start to their innings, recovering from 42/3 during the Powerplay to post a massive total of 174/7. Recovery was established by the most reliable at all times Dewald Breviswho scored a brilliant 57, managing the innings with consistency and attack. His efforts were supported by practical contributions from the central system, ensuring that the team would have a sufficient impact on the team.
For Sunriser, the bowlers put in a commendable effort early in the innings, and Richard Gleeson carry 2/22 and Liam Dawson providing financial support with figures of 1/32. However, a failure to capitalize on their early success has cost them as the Cape Town players return to action.
Also READ: Delano Potgieter runs riot as MI Cape Town crush Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20 2025
Special machine SA20
The win not only gave MI Cape Town four points for the win but also the bonus, bringing it to five points. This unique aspect of the SA20, introduced in its inaugural season in 2023, rewards teams that dominate their opponents by scoring 1.25 more runs than their opponents. The bonus system encourages aggressive cricket and ensures that teams win the most, making every game competitive.
In the event of a tie or tie, both teams are awarded two points each, while the losing team receives no points. Unlike other T20 leagues, where winning results in more points, SA20's bonus system adds to the process and competition. For MI Cape Town, this bonus win is a testament to their success, and for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, it marks a new low as they receive a bonus for the first time in three years, showing how they have been beaten.
For the first time in three seasons, Sunrisers Eastern Cape received a bonus against the opposition, the first one-sided game in three seasons.
– Harishwar Reddy (@ReddyMnc16) January 9, 2025