Sunrisers Eastern Cape stormed into the next stage of the SA20 2025 tournament after defeating Joburg Super Kings by 32 runs in the Eliminator at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Aiden Markram led from the front with an unbeaten 62 off 40 balls, while the bowling unit ensured that the Joburg side never settled in the chase.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Post 184/6 in 20 Overs
Sunrisers Eastern Cape batted first after Joburg Super Kings won the toss and opted to field. Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham opened the innings, looking to provide a strong start. De Zorzi fell early for 14, and Bedingham followed soon after with 27 off 14 balls.
The innings wobbled when Jordan Hermann (12) and Tom Abell (10) departed quickly, leaving the team struggling at 75/4 in the ninth over. Markram then took charge, holding the innings together. His captain’s knock of 62 came with five fours and two sixes, steadying the innings after the early setbacks.
Tristan Stubbs contributed 26 off 21 balls, while Marco Jansen provided late acceleration with 23 off 12 balls. Extras helped push the total as Sunrisers finished at 184/6 in 20 overs.
Joburg Super Kings’ Bowlers Face Tough Resistance
Joburg’s bowlers struggled to contain the batters despite taking wickets at regular intervals. Imran Tahir picked up two crucial wickets for 21 runs in his four overs, dismissing Bedingham and Stubbs. Moeen Ali delivered an economical spell, conceding just 19 runs and taking one wicket. Maheesh Theekshana kept things tight, finishing with 1/29 in four overs.
Hardus Viljoen removed Hermann and Jansen, ending with figures of 2/37 in four overs. Lutho Sipamla faced a tough outing, conceding 20 runs in his two overs.
Joburg Super Kings Struggle in Run Chase
Chasing 185 for victory, Joburg Super Kings needed a solid start, but Sunrisers’ bowlers applied pressure early. Devon Conway looked in good touch, smashing 30 off 20 balls before Marco Jansen dismissed him. Faf du Plessis followed soon after, scoring 19 off 18 before holing out to Markram off Ottneil Baartman.
The middle order collapsed under relentless pressure. JP King lasted just nine balls before Liam Dawson bowled him for 9. Wihan Lubbe’s 13 off 18 failed to provide stability, and Jonny Bairstow’s 37 off 17 balls was the only significant resistance in the chase.
Moeen Ali departed for a duck, as Dawson picked up his second wicket. Evan Jones (22*) and Hardus Viljoen (14) added some late runs, but the required rate had already climbed beyond control.
Joburg Super Kings finished at 152/7 in 20 overs, falling short by 32 runs.
Sunrisers’ Bowlers Dominate the Contest
Craig Overton set the tone early, finishing with 2/20 in four overs. Jansen continued his impressive all-round performance, grabbing 2/31 in his spell. Liam Dawson struck twice, dismissing King and Moeen Ali to end with 2/35.
Baartman chipped in with two wickets, removing du Plessis and Viljoen to complete a disciplined bowling effort. Richard Gleeson maintained tight lines, conceding just 40 runs in his four-over spell without taking a wicket.
Sunrisers Secure Place in Next Round
Sunrisers Eastern Cape executed their plans with precision in both batting and bowling. Markram anchored the innings, and the bowlers defended the total with disciplined spells. Joburg Super Kings never gained momentum in the chase, with the middle order failing to fire.
Sunrisers now advance to the next stage of the SA20 2025 tournament, carrying confidence from a comprehensive performance. Joburg Super Kings exit the competition after a season filled with inconsistency, leaving them with plenty to reflect on before their next campaign.
