MI Cape Town crowned champions of brilliant 3rd edition of Betway SA20

The global T20 calendar is packed with franchise competition all over the world—and it feels like a new one pops up somewhere every few months.

I would totally get it if you’ve gotten to a point where you couldn’t care about another competition.

Who would blame you?

But believe me if I tell you, this past season of the Betway SA20 was the best season yet—now firmly established as one of the premier T20 tournaments in my opinion.

For the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who had won the first two editions of the competition, they could be forgiven if they thought their third consecutive final made them favourites, but MI Cape Town finally managed to not only reach the levels of cricket we’ve expected from them since the first edition, but they managed to knock the Sunrisers Eastern Cape off of their dominant perch. 

In the end, it was a pretty disappointing loss at a sold-out DP Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg for a team that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing win these spectacular finals. 

Opting to bat first, MI Cape Town capitalised on the familiar conditions, with several of their top-order batsmen accustomed to playing at the Wanderers as they belong to the Lions franchise. 

Dominant performances from Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brevis, and Connor Esterhuizen saw the MI Cape Town team post a commanding total of 181 for 8 in their 20 overs. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape chase was thwarted by MI Cape Town's potent bowling attack. 

Veteran pacers Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada were instrumental in dismantling the opposition's batting lineup. Boult delivered an economical spell, claiming 2 wickets for just 9 runs in his four overs, while Rabada showcased his prowess by taking 4 wickets for 25 runs. The spin duo of captain Rashid Khan and George Linde further tightened the screws, each contributing crucial wickets and maintaining disciplined bowling throughout the innings, securing a dominant 76-run victory. 

But besides the fact that we’ve finally seen new champions in this competition, established and recognised players in the competition continued to show their class, while there were one or two young players who stole the show and announced themselves on the scene with some scintillating performances. 

Here we look at the top five batters in the competition:

1. Leading the scoring charts was Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who made an immediate impact in his debut match against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, scoring a blistering 97 off 51 balls, which included 10 fours and six sixes. This remarkable innings not only led the Royals to a commanding nine-wicket victory but also set the tone for his outstanding season.

   Continuing his impressive form, Pretorius played a pivotal role in the Cape derby rematch against MI Cape Town. He amassed 83 runs off 52 deliveries, featuring three sixes and eight boundaries, guiding the Royals to a six-wicket win. 

   Over the course of the season, Pretorius accumulated a total of 397 runs in 12 innings, making him the tournament's top run-scorer. His aggressive batting style and ability to perform under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the game's greats, and he is widely regarded as one of South Africa's most exciting young talents.

2. Rassie van der Dussen (MI Cape Town): Accumulating 393 runs over 11 innings, van der Dussen exhibited remarkable consistency, boasting an average of 49.13. His top score of 91* underscores his capability to anchor the innings, guiding his team through challenging phases with composed and strategic batting.

3. Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape): As captain, Markram led from the front, scoring 340 runs in 13 innings with a steady average of 37.78. His leadership was instrumental in steering the Sunrisers to the finals, and his three half-centuries reflect his knack for rising to the occasion in crucial matches.

4. Ryan Rickelton (MI Cape Town): Despite playing only 8 innings, Rickelton made a significant impact with 336 runs at a striking average of 48 and an impressive strike rate of 178.72. His aggressive batting style often provided MI Cape Town with rapid starts, putting opposition bowlers under immediate pressure.

5. Rubin Hermann (Paarl Royals): Contributing 333 runs in 9 innings, Hermann maintained an average of 41.63. His consistent performances in the middle order were crucial in stabilising the Royals' innings, often building on the foundation laid by the top order.

Here we look at the top five bowlers in the competition:

1. Leading the wickets column was Marco Jansen, whose season was nothing short of spectacular as he cemented his status as a premier all-rounder in T20 cricket. Leading the bowling charts, Jansen claimed 19 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 18.42 and an economy rate of 7.14. His standout performance came against the Pretoria Capitals, where he delivered a devastating spell, securing figures of 4 for 13.

   With the bat, Jansen contributed significantly, amassing 204 runs with a strike rate of 125.15. His highest score of the season was a crucial 51, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure. Jansen's consistent excellence earned him the prestigious Player of the Season award, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape's campaign. 

2. Hardus Viljoen (Joburg Super Kings): In his 8 appearances, Viljoen emerged as a formidable force, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 15.86. His aggressive pace and best figures of 4 for 24 were instrumental in providing early breakthroughs, setting the tone for the Super Kings' bowling attack.

3. Liam Dawson (Sunrisers Eastern Cape): Dawson's all-round capabilities shone brightly throughout the tournament. Over 12 matches, he secured 14 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.92. His best figures of 3 for 17 underscore his knack for delivering in crucial middle-over scenarios, playing a pivotal role in the Sunrisers' journey to the finals.

4. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Paarl Royals): The mystery spinner was a vital asset for the Royals, claiming 14 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 6.77. His best figures of 2 for 17 highlight his ability to stifle runs while providing crucial breakthroughs, making him a linchpin in the Royals' bowling lineup.

5. Richard Gleeson (Sunrisers Eastern Cape): Gleeson's consistent wicket-taking ability was a significant boost for the Sunrisers. Over 13 matches, he matched his teammates with 14 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 8.08. His contributions were pivotal in complementing the Sunrisers' bowling attack, aiding their progression to the finals.

Next up, we’ll keep a close eye on the Champions Trophy that starts next week Wednesday (19 February, 2025) with the hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand.