On Saturday, MI Cape Town beat the Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 76 runs in the final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, dethroning the team from Gqeberha.

It’s the first time the Sunrisers have lost in the final, while MI Cape Town became just the second team to win the SA20 title.

MI Cape Town batted first and scored 181/8 in their allotted 20 overs at the Bullring, with Connor Esterhuizen scoring 39 runs off 28 balls, while Dewald Brevis smashed 38 off 18 balls.

Connor Esterhuizen. Photo: Cricinfo

Richard Gleeson was the pick of the Sunrisers bowlers with figures of 2/22, while Marco Jansen took 2/39.

In reply, Tom Abell scored 30 and Tony de Zorzi contributed 26, but the Sunrisers were bowled out for 105 runs in 18.4 overs.

Proteas seamer Kagiso Rabada was the star with the ball for MI Cape Town, claiming 4/25 in 3.4 overs, while Trent Boult took 2/9 in four overs. Proteas spinning all-rounder George Linde also made a big impact with figures of 2/20.

Following his stellar performance with the ball, Rabada said he put in extra effort for the championship match.

"I think I was extra focused today, and we know the Sunrisers are a good team– they can beat anyone on their day," said Rabada.

"I just wanted to make sure. I thought we were just about par on this ground, and the bowlers controlled it. Rassie van der Dussen and George Linde did the hard yards in the middle to get the win.

Kagiso Rabada. Photo: Cricinfo

“I love playing in South Africa, and this league means a lot, especially to the younger players coming through. The fans are loving the entertainment, and the players are giving them that entertainment."

North West Dragons and Proteas seamer Marco Jansen, who plays for the Sunrisers, was named Player of the Tournament. The 2026 SA20 is scheduled to start on 26 December 2025.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg