THE SA20 2025 season started with a surprising result as defending champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape suffered a humiliating 97-point defeat against MI Cape Town at St George Park, Gqeberha. This was no ordinary defeat, but one that set several records, making it one of the most one-sided confrontations in tournament history.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape batting collapse and record highs
Chasing an ambitious target of 175, the Sunrisers’ batting line-up collapsed spectacularly, folding for just 77 runs in 15 overs. This is the lowest ever total in SA20 history, surpassing their previous lowest of 122/9 against the Pretoria Capitals in the 2024 season. It is also the second-highest team total the lowest in the three-year history of the tournament.
The collapse was caused by Delano Potgieterwho bowled a dream spell, bowling a sensational 5/10, the second best bowling figure in SA20 history, leaving the Sunrisers in tatters. Only Aiden Markram showed some resilience with a modest 19 runs, while the rest of the batting order failed to cross double figures. Trent Boult added to the misery with a fiery spell of 2/16, including quick dismissals of the English duo Zak Crawley (12) and Tom Abell (0), further dampening the hopes of the Sunrisers at the start of the race.
MI Cape Town takeover and key contributions
MI Cape Town showed resilience after a shaky start to the innings, recovering from 42/3 in the powerplay to post a formidable total of 174/7. The recovery was supported by the still reliable system Dewald Bréviswho scored a well-compiled 57, steering the innings with composure and attacking intent. His efforts were complemented by useful contributions from the middle order, ensuring the team had a defendable total on the board.
For the Sunrisers, the bowlers put in a commendable effort at the start of the innings, with Richard Gleeson pick up on 02/22 and Liam Dawson providing economic support with figures of 1/32. However, the failure to capitalize on their early breakthroughs proved costly as the Cape batters clawed their way back into the match.
READ ALSO: Delano Potgieter wreaks havoc as MI Cape Town crush Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20 2025 opener
The SA20’s unique points system
The emphatic margin of victory not only earned MI Cape Town the standard four points for a win, but also a bonus point, taking their tally to five points. This unique feature of SA20, introduced in its inaugural season in 2023, rewards teams who dominate their opposition by achieving a run rate 1.25 times higher than their opponents. The bonus point system encourages aggressive cricket and ensures teams aim for comprehensive victories, making each match more competitive.
In the event of a tie or no result, both teams receive two points each, while the losing team receives no points. Unlike other T20 leagues, where wins earn a uniform number of points, SA20’s bonus points system adds an extra layer of strategy and competition. For MI Cape Town, this bonus point win is a testament to their outstanding performance, and for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, it marks a new low as they conceded a bonus point for the first time in three seasons, highlighting the extent of their defeat.
For the first time in 3 seasons, Sunrisers Eastern Cape conceded a bonus point to the opposition, the first one-sided match in 3 seasons.
– Harishwar Reddy (@ReddyMnc16) January 9, 2025
