Sunrisers Eastern Cape Clinch Third SA20 Title After Dramatic Final Win

Sunrisers Eastern Cape sealed their place as the dominant force of the SA20 era, lifting a third title in four seasons after a nerve-shredding six-wicket win over Pretoria Capitals in a gripping final at Newlands.

Chasing 159, Sunrisers looked buried midway through the innings. Reduced to 48 for 4 in nine overs, with the required rate climbing beyond 14 an over, the Capitals had one hand on the trophy. What followed, though, was a partnership that will be replayed every time this competition is remembered.

Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs stitched together an unbeaten 114-run stand for the fifth wicket, calmly dismantling Pretoria’s bowling at the death to finish the chase with four balls to spare. Breetzke held his nerve to end on 68 not out, while Stubbs found his timing when it mattered most, finishing unbeaten on 63.

The final had swung violently just minutes earlier, despite Pretoria posting what looked competitive 158 for 7. That total was almost entirely built on the brilliance of Dewald Brevis, who produced a stunning 101, his first SA20 century, accounting for nearly two-thirds of his team’s runs. 

Sunrisers’ bowlers ensured Brevis’ effort did not grow into something truly decisive. Marco Jansen delivered a spell worthy of a final, finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 10. He struck early, returned to squeeze the middle overs, and then shut the door late with a double-wicket maiden that left Pretoria scrambling. Anrich Nortje complemented him perfectly, conceding just 19 runs and keeping things tight at the death as Pretoria managed only three runs across the final two overs.

Despite that, the Capitals sensed an opportunity when Lungi Ngidi removed Jonny Bairstow early, and the spinners began to grip a slowing surface. Keshav Maharaj and Roston Chase combined to choke the chase, dragging Sunrisers deep into trouble as wickets fell and boundaries dried up.

For Sunrisers Eastern Cape, it was another season that confirmed their blueprint: smart recruitment, disciplined bowling, and composure under pressure. For Pretoria Capitals, Brevis’ unforgettable hundred will be remembered, but it came on a night when one partnership proved just enough to take the trophy away.