Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) underlined their authority in the SA20 by storming into the final for a fourth straight season on 23 January. Led by Tristan Stubbs, SEC overcame Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2 to seal their place in the summit clash. The Sunrisers have now reached the final in every edition of the SA20 to date and will be eyeing a third championship title.
Stubbs and his team are set to take on Pretoria Capitals in the final in Cape Town on 25 January, after having earlier lost to them in Qualifier 1. Batting first on a dry Wanderers surface, Paarl Royals struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 114/7. Sunrisers’ spinners kept the pressure on throughout, never allowing the Royals’ batters to find their rhythm.
Kyle Verreynne stood out as the lone bright spot for Paarl Royals. The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52 off 46 deliveries, almost single-handedly pushing his side past the 100-run mark. The surface suited sharp turn and uneven bounce, which Senuran Muthusamy exploited for 3 for 15.
James Coles also delivered a tidy spell, claiming one wicket for 15 runs and bowling a maiden. Paarl Royals were without skipper David Miller, who missed the match because of injury.
Heartwarming Moment As Kavya Maran Hugs Father After Win
Sunrisers Eastern Cape owner Kavya Maran shared a warm embrace with her father in the stands after the win. Moments after James Coles sealed the victory with a six, an elated Kavya hugged Kalanithi Maran in the stands at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium.
You can watch the video here:
𝐏𝐎𝐕 😍
You've just watched your team make their fourth successive #BetwaySA20Final#SECvPR #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/W74gGuJqB8
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 23, 2026
Chasing a modest target, Sunrisers Eastern Cape went on the offensive right from the outset. Quinton de Kock provided early momentum with a blistering start, smashing three boundaries in the opening over before adding two sixes and another four in the next.
Although he departed after a rapid 25, his impact had already put the Sunrisers firmly in charge. The side raced to 56 runs by the end of the powerplay, despite losing three wickets.
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