Cape Town, February 13, 2024: The SA20 Season 2 has concluded with a bang, leaving League Commissioner Graeme Smith confident that the tournament has cemented its place as a “very strong league.”
Sunrisers Eastern Cape successfully defended their title in a thrilling final against Durban’s Super Giants, captivating a sold-out Newlands crowd. The expanded 34-match format, featuring an additional playoff match, kept fans glued to their screens throughout the competition.
Improved on Hype, Set New Records:
Season 2 exceeded expectations, delivering even better cricket than the inaugural edition. Smith highlighted the impressive new records set, particularly on the batting front. MI Cape Town’s Ryan Rickelton smashed the 500-run barrier for the first time, while three other players surpassed the 400-run mark, compared to just one in Season 1. Bowlers also upped their game with three five-wicket hauls recorded compared to the single one in the previous season.
“The cricket was outstanding,” Smith enthused. “All the stats improved dramatically. We’ve established ourselves as a very strong league now.”
Local Talent Shines, International Stars Flock:
The League Commissioner emphasized the crucial role of local player development. “The majority of our players are South African, and we’ve seen them improve significantly,” he said. “This strengthens the Proteas talent pool.” He also acknowledged the league’s appeal to international stars, highlighting the shift from initial skepticism to strong demand for participation.
Fixture Clash an Issue, Collaboration with Cricket SA on the Horizon:
Smith acknowledged the unfortunate clash of Season 2 with the Proteas’ Test tour to New Zealand, calling it “disappointing.” He assured fans that discussions with Cricket SA are underway to avoid such conflicts in Season 3.
Fan Support Fuels Success:
Smith expressed his gratitude to the South African public for their unwavering support. “The vibrancy of the league wouldn’t be possible without the fans,” he said. “The positive feedback has been overwhelming.”
Looking Ahead to an Even Brighter Future:
With a successful Season 2 behind them, the SA20 team is confident about the future. Smith concluded by saying, “The league can only grow from strength to strength.” This optimistic outlook bodes well for South African cricket and promises even more exciting seasons to come.
