Sunrisers Eastern Cape Clinch Third SA20 Title in Thriller Over Ganguly's Pretoria Capitals

Sunrisers Eastern Cape secured their third SA20 title in four seasons with a thrilling six-wicket victory over Pretoria Capitals in the final at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, on January 25, 2026.

Pretoria Capitals, coached by Sourav Ganguly, posted 158 for 7 after being put in to bat by Sunrisers captain Tristan Stubbs. Dewald Brevis delivered a masterful century, scoring 101 off 56 balls, anchoring the innings amid early setbacks. However, the loss of Brevis in the 19th over triggered a collapse, with the lower order adding just three runs off the final 10 deliveries, sealing a below-par total.[1][5]

Sunrisers Eastern Cape faced early trouble in their chase, slumping to 48 for 4 after disciplined bowling from Keshav Maharaj (1-23) and Roston Chase. Quinton de Kock (18) and Jonny Bairstow (0) fell cheaply, followed by quick dismissals of other top-order batsmen. The match turned with an unbroken 114-run fifth-wicket partnership between Matthew Breetzke (68* off 49) and Tristan Stubbs (63* off 41), who steered the team to 162 for 4 with four balls remaining.[1][5][6]

Marco Jansen starred with the ball for Sunrisers, claiming 3 for 10 to restrict Pretoria. Stubbs' aggressive 21 runs off the 18th over shifted momentum decisively.[1][5]

This marks the second consecutive SA20 final loss for Pretoria Capitals to Sunrisers, following their defeat in the 2023 inaugural final. Captain Keshav Maharaj expressed disappointment, noting the pain of falling short despite strong starts.[1]

The sold-out Newlands crowd witnessed high-quality T20 action, with Brevis' ton going in vain against Sunrisers' resilience. Sunrisers now boast three titles, underscoring their dominance in the SA20 League 2025-26.[4][5]