By Dwayne Ferreira
This match is a repeat of the Season 1 final, but with a different narrative. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape are the “invincibles” of this league, appearing in their fourth consecutive final. Under the new leadership of Tristan Stubbs, they are aiming to cement their status as a T20 dynasty.
On the other side, the Pretoria Capitals have clawed their way back to the summit after two seasons of missing the playoffs. Led by Keshav Maharaj, the Capitals have played a fearless brand of cricket this summer and enter the final with the psychological advantage of having beaten the Sunrisers by 7 wickets in Qualifier 1.
Newlands is arguably the most beautiful and tactically interesting ground in South Africa. Expect pace and carry for the seamers like Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi. As the game progresses, the “Newlands Turn” often comes into play, making the battle between Maharaj and the Sunrisers’ batters the defining phase of the match.
The match is a confirmed sell-out. The 25,000-strong crowd will create a cauldron-like environment under the Table Mountain backdrop. Sunrisers Eastern Cape have won 75% of the playoff matches they have ever played in SA20 history. They are the ultimate “big game” team.
The Sunrisers have the experience, but the Capitals have the momentum and the confidence of a recent win over their rivals. It will likely come down to which team handles the pressure of the “Death Overs” better. If the Sunrisers’ bowling attack can stifle the Capitals’ middle order, they may well hoist their third trophy.
