MI Cape Town secured their inaugural Betway SA20 title on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium, defeating the defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, by 76 runs.
Batting first, MI Cape Town posted a formidable 181/8. Ryan Rickelton set the tone with a rapid 33 off 15 balls, including four sixes. Dewald Brevis contributed a quickfire 38 off 18 balls, while Connor Esterhuizen anchored the innings with 39 off 26 balls.
The Sunrisers’ bowlers, led by Ben Gleeson (2/22), managed to contain the scoring but couldn’t prevent the substantial total.
In response, Sunrisers Eastern Cape were bowled out for just 105. Kagiso Rabada was the standout performer, claiming 4/25, including a brilliant diving catch to dismiss captain Aiden Markram.
George Linde (2/20) and Rashid Khan (1/19) provided excellent support, dismantling the Sunrisers’ batting lineup.
MI Cape Town’s victory is a testament to their strategic planning, skilled performances, and the effective leadership of captain Rashid Khan.
Their success in the 2025 SA20 season has set a new benchmark for the franchise and the league as a whole.
WATCH| Post-Match Presser with Rashid Khan – Captain, Trent Boult – Player of the final and Robin Peterson – Head Coach, below:
Coach Robin Peterson:
Reflecting on the victory, Coach Robin Peterson expressed immense pride in the team’s transformation from previous seasons.
He highlighted the strategic planning and hard work that led to their success, emphasizing the importance of a fearless approach to the game.
Peterson noted that the team’s aggressive batting and disciplined bowling were key factors in their triumph.
Captain Rashid Khan:
Captain Rashid Khan attributed the win to the team’s collective effort and resilience. He commended the bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada, for their exceptional performances under pressure.
Khan also acknowledged the contributions of the batting unit, mentioning that setting a challenging target was crucial.
He expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the season.
Fast Bowler Trent Boult:
Trent Boult, who played a pivotal role in the final, praised the team’s preparation and execution.
He emphasized the significance of maintaining composure in high-stakes matches and credited the coaching staff for their strategic insights.
Boult also highlighted the importance of adaptability, noting that the team’s ability to adjust to different match situations was a contributing factor to their success.
Watch highlights of the final below:
