SA20: Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape to lock horns with MI Cape Town in season opener

Aiden Markram and Rashid Khan (Photo by Sportzpics for SA20)

NEW DELHI: The St George’s Park stadium in Gqeberha is buzzing with excitement as Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the two-tine defending champions, prepare to face MI Cape Town in the Season 3 opener of the SA20 on Thursday.
As per the official statement on the SA20 website, the match is sold out, promising a vibrant atmosphere fueled by the passionate Orange Army and the unmistakable energy of the iconic St George’s Park brass band.
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Sunrisers Eastern Cape, under coach Adrian Birrell, have retained the core of their championship-winning side. Leading the bowling attack are Ottneil Baartman and Marco Jansen, the tournament’s top wicket-takers.

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Skipper Aiden Markram and hard-hitting Tristan Stubbs will spearhead the batting. Adding firepower to the squad are returning hero Roelof van der Merwe and England internationals Zak Crawley, Richard Gleeson, and Craig Overton.
Van der Merwe expressed his eagerness to shine again, praising coach Birrell for creating a sense of purpose and lauding the fans for their unwavering support.

SA20 2025 Live Streaming: All you need to know

Match: Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs MI Cape Town, 1st Match
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time:: 5:30 PM (Local Time), 9:00 PM (IST)
Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
Television: Star Sports 2 and Sports18 2

MI Cape Town, meanwhile, come into the game with renewed determination after two underwhelming seasons. Coach Robin Peterson has assembled a formidable squad, highlighted by the bowling duo of Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada, who will lead the attack with the new ball.
Proteas opener Reeza Hendricks, joining from Joburg Super Kings, strengthens the batting lineup, which also features Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen.

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Hendricks is optimistic about his role, emphasizing the familiarity with his new teammates and expressing his desire to contribute to the team’s turnaround.
Apart from the on-field action, fans at the stadium can expect a day full of entertainment, starting with an opening ceremony featuring award-winning artist Lloyiso.

SEC vs MICT Squads:

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Aiden Markram (captain), Zak Crawley (England), Jordan Hermann, Tom Abell (England), Liam Dawson (England), Marco Jansen, Patrick Kruger, Craig Overton (England), David Bedingham, Daniel Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Okuhle Cele, Simon Harmer, Ottneil Baartman, Richard Gleeson (England), Caleb Seleka, Andile Simelane, Beyers Swanepoel, Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands).
MI Cape Town: Chris Benjamin (England), Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Connor Esterhuizen, Delano Potgieter, Reeza Hendricks, Colin Ingram, Tristan Luus, Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Rashid Khan (captain, Afghanistan), Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult (New Zealand), Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka), Dane Piedt.