MI Cape Town Players Shine in Markram's SA20 Team for Season 3

Johannesburg, Feb 13 (NationPress) The champions MI Cape Town have made their mark in season 3 of the SA20 by securing five spots on the team roster. Leading the batting lineup is opening batter and wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton, accompanied by the explosive Dewald Brevis, versatile allrounder George Linde, and the formidable seam bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult.

Rickelton showcased phenomenal performance with 336 runs at an impressive average of 48 and a striking strike rate of 178.82, surpassing the 1000-run mark in the competition and becoming the all-time leading run scorer in SA20 history. He also recorded nine dismissals in his wicketkeeping role.

Dewald Brevis, emerging as a star this season, amassed 291 runs with an average of 48.5 and a strike rate of 184. The 21-year-old demonstrated his skill against both pace and spin, achieving a strike rate of 211 against fast bowlers and 149 against some of the best slow bowlers.

George Linde was a significant contributor with the bat, averaging 40.24 and striking at 153.33 for MI Cape Town. As a left-arm spinner, he also picked up 11 wickets at an impressive average of 17.72 and an economy rate of 6.29.

The exceptional bowling duo of Rabada and Boult maintained low economy rates of 6.53 and 6.94, respectively, with their peak performances coming during the Final against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Rabada claimed 4-25, raising his total to 12 wickets, while Boult earned the Player of the Final title with figures of 2-9, bringing his total to 11 wickets.

Completing the XI are players from Sunrisers and Paarl Royals, each contributing three representatives, while Joburg Super Kings allrounder Donovan Ferreira is named the 12th man.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the Royals' opener and Batter of the Season with 397 runs, joins Rickelton at the top of the order. The 18-year-old impressed with three half-centuries, hitting 47 boundaries and 16 sixes.

Former England captain Joe Root, despite missing the playoffs for international commitments, scored 279 runs at an impressive average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 140.20, securing the No. 3 position. He also took five wickets. Root will partner with fellow Royal David Miller in the middle order, who contributed 234 runs at an average of 58.50 and a strike rate of 136.84.

Sunrisers captain Aiden Markram has been selected as the captain of the team for 2025, recognized for his remarkable leadership that guided his team to their third consecutive Betway SA20 Final. Markram also recorded three half-centuries, bringing his run total to 340, making him the third-highest run scorer in the competition.

The Sunrisers roster is highlighted by Marco Jansen, the Player of the Season and recipient of the Bowler of the Season award for his 19 wickets at an average of 18.42, joined by new-ball partner Englishman Richard Gleeson to finalize the XI.