In a high-stakes SA20 Eliminator clash, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Joburg Super Kings (JSK) by 32 runs, ending the Super Kings’ campaign in the tournament. Batting first, SEC posted a formidable total of 184/6, thanks to a captain’s knock from Aiden Markram and a late flourish by Marco Jansen. In response, JSK faltered under pressure, managing only 152/7 in their 20 overs. The victory propelled the Eastern Cape into the semi-finals, while JSK were left to rue missed opportunities.
Captain Aiden Markram anchors the innings for Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape got off to a blistering start, with David Bedingham and Tony de Zorzi taking the attack to the Super Kings bowlers. Bedingham’s 27 off 14 balls, including three fours and a six, set the tone, while De Zorzi contributed a quick 14. However, the Super Kings struck back in the powerplay, with Maheesh Theekshana dismissing De Zorzi and Imran Tahir removing Bedingham. At 48/2 after 4.1 overs, the game was evenly poised.
Markram, the Eastern Cape skipper, played a pivotal role in steadying the innings. He combined caution with aggression, scoring an unbeaten 62 off 40 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Markram’s ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed was instrumental in the Eastern Cape’s recovery. Tristan Stubbs provided valuable support with a brisk 26 off 21 balls, but it was Jansen’s explosive 23 off 12 balls that propelled SEC to a competitive total. Jansen’s two sixes in the final over off Lutho Sipamla ensured the Eastern Cape finished strongly at 184/6.
Joburg Super Kings’ chase falters as SEC bowlers dominate
The Super Kings began their chase with intent, as Devon Conway and Faf du Plessis put on 40 runs in just 4.2 overs. Conway looked in fine touch, smashing six boundaries in his 20-ball 30. However, Jansen struck the first blow, dismissing Conway caught behind. Du Plessis followed soon after, falling to Ottneil Baartman for 19, leaving JSK at 62/2 in the 8th over.
The dismissal of Du Plessis triggered a collapse, with JP King and Wihan Lubbe falling cheaply. Jonny Bairstow tried to resurrect the innings with a fiery 37 off 17 balls, including three sixes, but his dismissal in the 15th over effectively ended JSK’s hopes. Liam Dawson and Craig Overton were the chief architects of JSK’s downfall, picking up two wickets each and maintaining relentless pressure.
Eastern Cape march on towards Qualifier 2
The Eastern Cape’s comprehensive performance with both bat and ball ensured their place in the semi-finals. Markram’s leadership and Jansen’s all-round brilliance were the highlights of the match. For Joburg Super Kings, the loss marked the end of their SA20 journey, as they struggled to match SEC’s intensity. With this victory, SEC have firmly established themselves as serious contenders for the SA20 title.
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Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sunrisers Eastern Cape defeated Joburg Super Kings by 32 runs to qualify for Qualifier 2 of SA20 2025. 🏆
Aiden Markram won the Player of the Match award for his terrific batting performance. ⚡#Cricket #SA20 #SEC #AidenMarkram pic.twitter.com/3bqcwsFc6X
— Harkishan Mahedele (@mahedele20181) February 6, 2025
Skipper, Centurion & Playoffs 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9kGdfErGbf
— Sunrisers Eastern Cape (@SunrisersEC) February 6, 2025
Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the Eliminator match by 32 runs against Joburg super kings..!!
SEC – 184/6
JSK – 152/7Sunrisers will play against Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2 for the Place in the finals..!!#SA20 #Sunrisers #CricketTwitter #Orangearmy #SECvsJSK pic.twitter.com/K1PkMrhLAG
— DEEP SINGH (@CrazyCricDeep) February 5, 2025
Sunrisers Shine in the Eliminator
Sunrisers Eastern Cape (184) outclassed Joburg Super Kings (152/7), securing a 32-run victory to keep their title defense alive
Royals and Sunrisers will contest Qualifier 2 tomorrow and winner books a spot in the final!#SA20 #SAXX #SECvJSK
— The MDima Report (@TheMDimaReport) February 5, 2025
The 2-time defending champions are still in the race as Sunrisers Eastern Cape beat Joburg Super Kings by 32 runs. Restricted to 152-7, great bowling by Sunrisers, led by Craig Overton 4-1-20-2. Ottneil Baartman 4-0-25-2 & Marco Jansen 4-0-31-1 also excellent & Dawson 2-35.
— Ken Borland (@KenBorland) February 5, 2025
Aiden Markram & SunRisers Eastern Cape’s domination continues in the SA20.
There were so many highs and lows from this season but winning the eliminator just shows how prepared we are now for these big situations.
We are just 2 steps away from winning our 3rd title!#SEC #SA20
— Varun Velamakanti 🦅 (@SunRisersVarun) February 5, 2025
I need Sunrisers Eastern Cape to handle Paarl Royals tomorrow. I’m imagining them in the final with MI Cape Town pic.twitter.com/NMjADx6NbI
— Sarkastik Observer ☭ (@SiyaSindelo) February 5, 2025
Unreal consistency from SUNRISERS EASTERN CAPE💥 #SA20 #SEC pic.twitter.com/ZL435TKGFk
— Mrvindh (@VinduAravi64844) February 5, 2025
Sunriser Eastern Cap won by 32 runs in the Eliminator against Joburg Super Kings in SA20.
Once again The Captain Aiden Markram the hero of the Match.#SA20 pic.twitter.com/epJQugauRK— Kashif (@cricstate) February 6, 2025
Big Game..!!
Big Man..!!
The Skipper..!!Aiden Markram the big man. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/kTzRGM5wsI
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) February 6, 2025
Also WATCH: Dewald Brevis smashes a massive six off Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman in Qualifier 1 against Paarl Royals in SA20 2025
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