Sunrisers lauded after SA20 title win

Sunrisers Eastern Cape are crowned champions during the 2023 SA20 Final between Pretoria Capitals and Sunrisers Eastern Cape held at Wanderers in Johannesburg on 12 February 2023. Photo by Ron Gaunt/Sportzpics/SA20/BackpagePix

The Eastern Cape’s MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, congratulated Sunrisers Eastern Cape on their Betway SA20 victory. The Gqeberha squad was crowned South African cricket’s Kings after defeating the Pretoria Capitals by four wickets in the final match at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

As it was the inaugural Betway SA20, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape had to play with bravery and skill to upset the Pretoria Capitals, who had performed admirably in the tournament and were playing at home in Gauteng.

“We are pleased with the work that Sunrisers did. What it accomplished demonstrates how proficient in cricket the Eastern Cape is. The team was able to unite the people of the province and not disappoint them. We anticipate that many more people will be motivated by Sunrisers’ success,” the MEC stated.

Many people did not believe the Sunrisers could win the championship at the outset of the competition. However, thanks to the players’ perseverance, it was able to win, led by Roelof van Merwe and assisted by Sisanda Magala, who took several wickets in the final match, which was witnessed by many of cricket fans.

The Pretoria Capitals scored 135 runs. Although the Sunrisers did not start well, the outstanding effort of Adam Rossington and Marco Jansen meant that the Betway SA20 trophy went to Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The Sunrisers players received special player awards following the competition. Players like Roelof van der Merwe and Markram won significant tournament awards.

Van der Merwe stated after the tournament: “Sunrisers could have won the Betway SA20 without me. Why people did not believe we could win at the beginning of the competition is something I am still trying to understand.”