The SA20 2024 tournament is set to kick off on January 10 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, featuring a riveting clash between defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and last season’s semifinalists Joburg Super Kings. The auction preceding the season witnessed a flurry of big-name signings, adding a fresh layer of excitement to an already star-studded league.
Here is the complete list:
1. Aiden Markram: Sunrisers’ Stalwarts
Aiden Markram, the dynamic skipper of Sunrisers Eastern Cape, emerges as a force to be reckoned with. Coming off a stellar performance in the inaugural SA20 tournament where he amassed 366 runs in 12 innings at an impressive average of 33.27, Markram sets the bar high for himself and his team.
His recent century against India in the New Year’s Test signals his red-hot form, sparking anticipation among Sunrisers’ faithful for another extraordinary season.
2. Faf du Plessis: Joburg’s Stylish Leader
Leading Joburg Super Kings, Faf du Plessis played a pivotal role in guiding his team to last season’s semifinals. With 369 runs in just 10 innings, he claimed the spot of the second-highest run-scorer. Despite a hiatus from international cricket, du Plessis remains active in various league competitions worldwide, making him a key figure to watch whenever the Super Kings step onto the SA20 2024 stage.
3. Dewald Brevis: MI Cape Town’s Rising Star
Known as ‘Baby AB,’ Dewald Brevis aims to make a mark after being omitted from South Africa’s T20I squad. The talented youngster, showcasing his prowess with MI Cape Town in SA20 2023, accumulated 235 runs in 10 innings at a commendable strike rate of 117.5.
As Brevis eyes a national team comeback, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing his performance in the upcoming season.
4. Jos Buttler: Paarl Royals’ Run Machine
Jos Buttler, the standout performer from the inaugural SA20 edition, topped the batting charts with 391 runs in 11 innings at an average of 39.10. Despite his brilliance, the Royals fell short of clinching the championship. In SA20 2024, Buttler not only aspires to reclaim the leading run-scorer title but also seeks to guide the Paarl Royals to coveted victory.
5. Rilee Rossouw: Pretoria Capitals’ Power Hitter
Rilee Rossouw, the hard-hitting left-handed batter, aims for redemption with the Pretoria Capitals after a subdued performance in the previous season. Scoring 202 runs in 12 innings at an average below 20, Rossouw is determined to prove his mettle.
Supported by a robust batting lineup featuring Theunis de Bruyn, Paul Stirling, Colin Ingram, and James Neesham, Rossouw is poised to make a resounding impact in SA20 2024.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.