All you need to know about the Sunrisers Eastern Cape ahead of the 2024 edition of the SA20, including predictions, players to watch, strengths, weaknesses and other factors worth understanding about the reigning champions.
Position last season
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape gained a semi-final berth after finishing in third position on the points table. They won four and lost five matches – and shared a washout with Durban’s Super Giants. The Sunrisers beat the Joburg Super Kings in their semi-final – and later triumphed over the Pretoria Capitals in the final to claim the inaugural SA20 title.
Notable squad additions
The Sunrisers have added Beyers Swanepoel to their squad. He is a talented local all-rounder, who has played for South Africa A and has been in fine form for the Warriors in domestic cricket. This impressive right-arm seamer will likely open the bowling for the Sunrisers.
Caleb Seleka is one of South Africa’s most promising leg-spinners. He is only 21 years old – and has been performing well for North West in division one List A and First-Class cricket. Wrist spin can be such a vital asset in T20 cricket.
Fast bowler Andile Simelane is Eastern Cape’s rookie pick for the new season. He has played for South Africa Emerging and has a burgeoning career with the Dolphins. He will learned a lot from bowling alongside fellow seamers Ottniel Baartman, Sisanda Magala and Brydon Carse at the Eastern Cape franchise.
England all-rounder Craig Overton has also joined the Sunrisers. Overton has played eight Tests and seven ODIs and, like fellow fast bowler Olly Stone did in the 2023 SA20 with MI Cape Town, could use this tournament to relaunch his international career.
Spinner Simon Harmer will be with the Sunrisers this season. He has joined from Durban’s Super Giants. Harmer is a vastly experienced off-spinner, who will be familiar with several team-mates and opposition players from England. Harmer is a household name in English county cricket.
More from Simon Harmer
— Rampy (@RiserTweex) July 24, 2023
New addition to SunRisers EasternCape #SA20 pic.twitter.com/24WpzbXqXW
Players to watch
Proteas star Aiden Markram was the Sunrisers’ top run-scorer last season. He collected 366 runs in 12 innings for an average of 33.27. Markram captained the team to the maiden SA20 title, too. His occasional off-spin also contributed 11 key wickets.
Magala has gone through some injury and fitness issues in the recent past, but remains one of the best white-ball cricketers in South Africa. As a right-arm fast bowler, he is also under-rated with the bat – and surprisingly athletic in the field for his big frame.
How Seleka progresses, if at all, will be interesting to see. The Sunrisers released wrist spinners Mason Crane and Juanid Dawood after the 2023 SA20. This puts more onus and responsibility in the hands of Seleka.
There was a near national outcry after Proteas captain Temba Bavuma wasn’t acquired by a franchise during the player auction before last season’s SA20. He belatedly went to the Sunrisers, who utilised him well.
This time, with a stronger foundation going into the tournament, Bavuma could quieten the criticism he is subjected to constantly.
Beautiful, isn't it? 🧡
— Sunrisers Eastern Cape (@SunrisersEC) December 22, 2023
Don't want to miss classic Aidy in action? Then get your tickets for our first Home game #SECvJSK now on https://t.co/l0543DdIlQ 🏃 #SEC #SunrisersEasternCape #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/Sk2TG33rRp
Strengths
The Sunrisers have also boosted their resources with the inclusion of England duo Liam Dawson and Dawid Malan. Dawson’s spin will be key, while Malan can take his fine form during the 2023 Cricket World Cup into this tournament.
The Eastern Cape team, importantly, have retained a strong core of players from their title-winning campaign last year. This solidity bodes well for the 2024 tournament when critics and fans alike will expect more success from the franchise.
Weaknesses
Spinner Roelof van der Merwe was the leading wicket-taker overall in last season’s SA20. He has since made himself unavailable for this tournament – and left the Sunrisers. The Eastern Cape will need to navigate their way around van der Merwe’s exit.
The pressure of constructing a successful title defence can sometimes be insurmountable. Going back-to-back, against five other teams equally motivated to win the title for the first time, will be a big ask for Markram’s men.
Prediction
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape will almost definitely reach the semi-final stage of the tournament – and likely gain a final berth again. Whether they have it in them to go all the way again, though, and perhaps beat MI Cape Town in the final, is an intriguing poser.
Highest wicket-taker
With Smuts, Seleka and van der Merwe gone, another spinner has the opportunity to step to the fore as the Eastern Cape’s leading wicket-taker. This time, it will likely be Dawson, who has had recent success with Hampshire in English county cricket and London Spirit in The Hundred.
Highest run-scorer
Markram had plenty to prove during the inaugural SA20 – and did just that. He led them to their first title as the leading run-scorer – and weighed in with several partnership-breaking wickets. He looks set for another big campaign here – and well-positioned to top score for the Sunrisers again.
