By Tim Douglas 
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape continued their impressive run in SA20 Season 3, earning a hard-fought 14-run victory over the Joburg Super Kings (JSK) at St George’s Park on Friday night. This fourth consecutive win propelled the defending champions into second place on the points table with 19 points, just one behind leaders Paarl Royals, who have a game in hand.
Markram, Stubbs, and Bedingham Shine with the Bat
Batting first, the Sunrisers posted a competitive total of 165/4, thanks to stellar contributions from their captain Aiden Markram (43 off 29), opener David Bedingham (37 off 31), and a quick-fire finish by Tristan Stubbs (35 not out off 22).
Markram anchored the innings, expertly countering the JSK bowlers, while Stubbs’ late surge injected momentum into the innings. Bedingham’s steady knock at the top ensured the Sunrisers had a solid foundation.
Reflecting on the performance, JSK captain Faf du Plessis said, “160 felt like a good score. They bowled tight overs and put the pressure back on us. Sunrisers are very successful at home.”
Jansen Leads Sunrisers’ Bowling Dominance
The Sunrisers’ bowling unit, which has been key to their resurgence, once again delivered under pressure. Marco Jansen set the tone in the Powerplay, dismissing Du Plessis (27 off 18) after the skipper had been dropped two balls earlier. Jansen’s persistence paid off, with Simon Harmer redeeming himself by holding on to the catch.
New Zealand’s Devon Conway (43 off 40) anchored the Super Kings’ innings but lacked support from his teammates as the Sunrisers bowlers maintained control.
Richard Gleeson (2/37), Ottneil Baartman (2/32), Liam Dawson (1/10), and Markram himself (1/21) all played crucial roles in restricting JSK to 151/7, securing a comfortable victory for the home side.
Markram praised his bowlers, saying, “They are clear in their plans, assess conditions well, and execute brilliantly. Even when the game was in the balance, they stepped up to deliver under pressure.”
Key Performers
- Aiden Markram (Sunrisers): 43 (29 balls) & 1/21
- Tristan Stubbs (Sunrisers): 35* (22 balls)
- Marco Jansen (Sunrisers): 1/29
- Devon Conway (JSK): 43 (40 balls)
- Ottneil Baartman (Sunrisers): 2/32