Sunrisers Eastern Cape electrified St George’s Park with a fourth consecutive victory, defeating the Joburg Super Kings by 14 runs to move into second place on the SA20 table. The defending champions now sit at 19 points, one behind the Paarl Royals, who have played one game fewer.
The Sunrisers’ resurgence was spearheaded by captain Aiden Markram, who anchored the innings with a crucial 43 off 29 balls, and Tristan Stubbs, who rediscovered form with an unbeaten 35 off 22. Reflecting on his performance, Stubbs acknowledged the challenges he’s faced this season.
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“It hasn’t been great. I haven’t been getting the runs I wanted, but the team’s winning, so it’s a lot better,” Stubbs said. “Hopefully, we’ve got some good momentum now and can carry on with that. Momentum is basically what we’ve got to ride. We’ve got a game on Sunday, so we’ll prepare as best we can for that.”
Stubbs credited the Sunrisers’ success to their ability to adapt to the tricky St George’s Park wicket and the relentless support of the home crowd. “That wicket’s not easy,” he explained. “The rate got to just under 12s or around 10-and-a-half, and walking in to bat on that surface is really hard. The bowlers stuck to the game plan, hit the wicket, and it did enough to get us those wickets. Once we got one, it was tough for new batters to come in.
“The crowd was incredible — I reckon the stats are wrong because that was the loudest I’ve ever played in front of here,” Stubbs added. “This is the best place to play cricket as a home team, whether it’s for the Proteas or the Sunrisers. When you’re winning and they’re singing ‘Bye Bye Joburg,’ it’s so cool.”
Stubbs also highlighted the team’s sluggish start to the season and how they have turned things around. “We just needed a win,” he said. “A few of us came straight from the Test series and arrived the day before. It took us a while to gel together as a team, but now everyone’s enjoying being together, and it’s showing on the field.”
On the other side, Joburg Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that injuries have disrupted their campaign but praised his players for stepping up in challenging circumstances. “Managing injuries, particularly in the fast-bowling department, has been a challenge,” Fleming said. “We’ve had to make more changes game to game than expected, trying to find rhythm and opportunities for players.”
Fleming acknowledged the Sunrisers’ strength at home but lamented his team’s missed opportunities. “They’ve adapted well to conditions here and are a balanced side. We had moments where we were ahead in the game, but we let it slip. Small things — no balls, fielding lapses, and not executing plans under pressure — cost us. We need to tidy those up and stay resilient,” he explained.
Despite the setback, Fleming found positives in his team’s effort. “We competed well, and some players showed promise under pressure. But tens, twenties, thirties don’t win games. We’re getting into good positions with the bat but losing wickets, which is unacceptable,” he said.
With the Sunrisers now riding high, the Super Kings will aim to regroup as they return to home conditions. For Stubbs and his team, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and delivering under the bright lights of SA20.
