By Tim Douglas 
MI Cape Town secured their first-ever SA20 championship in emphatic fashion, crushing Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 76 runs at a packed Wanderers Stadium on Saturday. The victory was powered by an outstanding bowling performance, with Kagiso Rabada leading the charge.
Rabada’s Brilliance Seals the Trophy
On the grandest stage, Kagiso Rabada delivered a sensational spell, finishing with figures of 4/25, dismantling Sunrisers’ batting lineup for just 105 runs. His efforts, coupled with a stunning diving catch to dismiss Aiden Markram, swung the game decisively in MI Cape Town’s favor.
Rabada had excellent support from his fellow bowlers:
Trent Boult (2/9) – Clinical with the new ball.
George Linde (2/20) – Key middle-over breakthroughs.
Rashid Khan (1/19) – Controlled the game with his spin.
“The way we played throughout the tournament was brilliant,” said MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan. “We had tough seasons before, but this time, we responded well under pressure. Everyone played their part selflessly.”
Explosive Batting Sets Up Victory
Batting first, MI Cape Town showed attacking intent right from the start. Ryan Rickelton blazed his way to 33 off 15 balls, including four sixes, propelling his team to 51 runs in just five overs.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, key contributions ensured a strong total:
Dewald Brevis (38 off 18 balls) – Entertaining power-hitting.
Connor Esterhuizen (39 off 26 balls) – Vital middle-order stability.
Rassie van der Dussen (23 off 25 balls) – Added crucial runs.
Their final total of 181/8 was the second-highest in an SA20 final, setting Sunrisers a challenging chase.
Sunrisers Collapse Under Pressure
In response, Sunrisers Eastern Cape endured a disastrous start, losing David Bedingham and Jordan Hermann with just 8 runs on the board.
A brief resistance came from:
Tom Abell & Tony de Zorzi – A 57-run stand for the third wicket.
However, once they fell in quick succession, Sunrisers crumbled. Rabada and his bowling unit ensured there was no comeback, sealing a historic win for MI Cape Town.
Coach Robin Peterson: “Proud Moment for MICT”
“The biggest thing was how we gelled as a team. They played with joy, aggression, and built friendships that will last. Proud of Rashid and the whole squad,” said MI Cape Town coach Robin Peterson.
SA20 Award Winners
Player of the Season – Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Batter of the Season – Luhan-dre Pretorius (Paarl Royals)
Bowler of the Season – Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Rising Star – Dewald Brevis (MI Cape Town)
Spirit of Cricket Award – MI Cape Town
Zainab Shafiq