By Tim Douglas 
The defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, powered their way into their second consecutive SA20 final with a dominant 51-run victory over Durban’s Super Giants in Qualifier 1 at Newlands.
Seaming Supremacy:
Pace duo Ottniel Baartman (4/10) and Marco Jansen (4/16) were the stars of the show, dismantling the Super Giants’ batting line-up. Baartman’s double-wicket maiden proved decisive, while Jansen picked up crucial wickets throughout the innings.
Malan’s Gritty Knock Leads the Way:
Opener Dawid Malan anchored the Sunrisers innings with a crucial 63 (45), providing stability after a two-hour rain delay disrupted the flow. Captain Aiden Markram chipped in with 30 (23), but a middle-order wobble threatened to derail their progress.
Super Giants’ Chase Falters:
Despite Junior Dala’s impressive bowling (2/35), the Super Giants’ chase never really took off. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with Quinton de Kock and Wiaan Mulder’s dismissals proving particularly crucial.
Final Showdown Awaits:
The Sunrisers will now eagerly await the outcome of Qualifier 2 between Paarl Royals and Joburg Super Kings, scheduled for Thursday at the Wanderers. The winner of that match will be their opponent in the grand finale on Saturday.