Sunrisers Eastern Cape advance past Joburg Super Kings to maintain title aspirations
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Synopsis
In a thrilling eliminator match, Sunrisers Eastern Cape overcame Joburg Super Kings by 32 runs, keeping their hopes alive for a third consecutive SA20 title. They will face Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2 for a chance to reach the final.
Key Takeaways
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape secure a 32-run victory against Joburg Super Kings.
- Aiden Markram shines with 62 not out.
- Sunrisers to face Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2.
- Joburg Super Kings struggle with batting partnerships.
- Craig Overton’s double-wicket maiden shifts momentum.
Centurion, Feb 6 (NationPress) The Sunrisers Eastern Cape continue their quest for an unmatched third consecutive title in SA20 as they triumphed over the Joburg Super Kings by 32 runs in an eliminator match. They are set to face the Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2 on Thursday, vying for a spot in the final.
Captain Aiden Markram shone once again at the Pretoria venue, scoring an impressive 62 not out from 40 deliveries, propelling the Sunrisers to a total of 184/6. The Super Kings struggled in their chase, managing only 152/7 after 20 overs, unable to form significant partnerships.
The eliminator was significantly influenced by two critical overs in each innings. The Sunrisers found themselves at a precarious 149/5 with just 12 balls to go, when Markram and Marco Jansen unleashed a flurry of 29 runs off Lutho Sipamla's second-to-last over.
Sipamla's over was disastrous, yielding three sixes, two boundaries, and a no ball, resulting in the second-highest expensive bowling figures in SA20 history at 0/72.
Conversely, the Super Kings were in a favorable position at 91/3 after 12 overs, needing 94 runs from 48 balls with established batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Wihan Lubbe at the crease.
Markram made a bold move, opting to bowl out seamer Craig Overton, a decision that paid off as Overton executed a remarkable double-wicket maiden, dismissing both Lubbe and Moeen Ali, leaving the Super Kings at 91/5.
From that point on, the Super Kings had no recovery as they faced their third consecutive playoff loss.
“A lot of credit to the boys. We haven’t played a complete game yet, and tonight was the closest we’ve come,” Markram said.
“The bowlers were outstanding; the ball performed even better under lights. A big shoutout to our team. We noticed some variations, which is why we delayed using the spinners. It’s all about execution on this surface.
“Pacing our innings was challenging, but at one point, (Tristan) Stubbs and I found our rhythm, and Marco contributed with a crucial knock.”
