James Coles' Debut Fireworks! Sunrisers Crush Joburg Super Kings to Clinch SA20 Playoff Spot

Sunrisers Eastern Cape secured their place in the SA20 Season 4 playoffs with a commanding 63-run bonus-point victory over Joburg Super Kings in Match 24 at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, on January 14, 2026.

Batting first after Joburg Super Kings won the toss and elected to field, Sunrisers Eastern Cape posted a formidable 178/5 in 20 overs. Debutant James Coles starred with a dazzling 61 off his innings, while Quinton de Kock anchored the top order with a solid 54 off 37 balls. Other contributions came from Tristan Stubbs (not out 16) and James Coles (not out 26 in partial scorecard updates), setting a challenging target under overcast conditions with temperatures around 16°C.[1][2][3]

Joburg Super Kings, missing regular captain Faf du Plessis due to injury, struggled in the chase. They were bowled out for 117 in 18.1 overs. Openers James Vince (30 off 23) and Rivaldo Moonsamy provided a brisk 31-run stand, but the innings collapsed against Sunrisers' spin attack. Senuran Muthusamy claimed 3/26, Marco Jansen took 2/33, and all-rounder James Coles chipped in with 2/34. Donovan Ferreira was the standout for JSK with 2/25.[3]

The Sunrisers spinners dismantled the top order, accounting for the first six wickets alongside a sharp run-out involving Coles. This win propelled Sunrisers to the top of the table with 24 points, while JSK remained fourth on 17 points. Durban's Super Giants stay in playoff contention ahead of their final match.[3]

Match officials included umpires Adrian Holdstock, Arno Jacobs, and Lauren Agenbag, with Shandre Fritz as referee. The flat track favored high-scoring batting but offered pace, bounce, and slow spin.[1]

This result highlights Sunrisers Eastern Cape's dominance and James Coles' breakout performance on debut, keeping playoff hopes alive for other teams.[2][3]