SA20 Final Showdown: Sunrisers’ Playoff Perfection vs. MI Cape Town’s Unstoppable Streak

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape are the two-time defending champions who have never lost a playoff game, while MI Cape Town are the star-studded team who topped the log and have not been beaten in seven matches; but both captains have said they will not react to the other side’s successes when they meet in an SA20 final to relish at the Wanderers on Saturday evening.

The Sunrisers once again seem to be peaking at the right time after losing their first three games, seeing off Joburg Super Kings and Paarl Royals in impressive style in their playoffs. Led by Aiden Markram’s outstanding batsmanship and a top-order that is starting to find form, the Eastern Cape team have four bowlers who are in the top-10 wicket-takers. Left-armer Marco Jansen leads that list and has been in outstanding all-round form, while spinner Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Craig Overton and Ottneil Baartman (if fit) have backed him up with the ball.

Captain Rashid Khan has been MI Cape Town’s most successful bowler, with left-arm orthodox George Linde backing his leg-spin superbly, while Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult are a class new-ball pair. Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton have been the most prolific opening batsmen in the tournament, and are followed by Reeza Hendricks (average 42, SR 130), while Dewald Brevis averages 50 at a strike-rate of 180 this season to capitalise on the usual excellent platform. Delano Potgieter and Linde have also excelled in finishing roles.

Markram & Rashid: Focus on Strengths, Not Opponents

Rashid said MI Cape Town’s focus would very much be on what they do well, rather than on worrying about how to counter the formidable strengths of Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

“It’s different for us to be in the final, it’s the first time we’re there and the first time we topped the table. Sunrisers have been very good against other teams in the playoffs, but we have never been there before,” Rashid told sportsboom.co.za on Friday.

“So we will focus on what we do best. We finished bottom in the last two tournaments, but now we are on top so we have played some amazing cricket. We believe in what we are doing and we’ll focus on what is best for us on the day. It doesn’t matter about the opposition.

“Sunrisers are playing very good cricket and it is a big achievement for them to play in three finals in a row, so they have good experience in finals. But our focus is on what we have done good over the last month, that mindset is key,” the Afghan superstar said.

Mindset is Key

Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Markram also pledged allegiance to the approach that has taken them into the final once again.

“It feels like we are doing everything well. I don’t like looking at the opposition too much because then you only see the best of them and they seem like an incredible team. Naturally we will do our homework and formulate some plans against them."

“There’s no doubt Van der Dussen and Rickelton will be crucial wickets to get, and we back our best bowlers and match-ups to do that. To be fair, MI Cape Town have found ways to score big whether Rassie and Ryan have fired or not. Their whole batting line-up is amazing, but if we execute well then we give ourselves a chance,” Markram said.

Amidst the cavalcade of explosive major global stars, both Rashid and Markram took time out to praise their respective coaches, both of whom have really galvanised the human beings within their changerooms.

“Robin Peterson has been wonderful, he’s amazing as a coach. He always gives positive energy, which is what you need as a captain, a good relationship with the coach is so important. I understand what he’s doing and I’ve learnt a lot from him. He keeps the environment very positive,” Rashid said of the MI Cape Town coach.

“Adrian Birrell has been around for years and has seen so many things, he’s seen it all,” Markram said of the Sunrisers mentor. 

“He remains so calm, he’s almost like a grandfather figure – he’s going to hate me for saying that!"

“But he has really strong values and the team absorbs that and treats people the same way. He is one of the best coaches around for sure.”