Having finished in the top two spots, Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Durban’s Super Giants get the first crack at qualifying for the final on Tuesday evening. James Richardson previews.
SA20 – Qualifier 1
Durban’s Super Giants v Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Tuesday 6 February 2024
17:30
The SA20 playoffs mirror the IPL format where the teams finishing first and second get two bites at reaching the final, first facing each other with the loser then going on to face the winner of the eliminator in the second qualifier.
DSG and the Sunrisers went 1-1 in the round-robin phase winning their away matches.
Qualifier One will be played at Newlands, where both sides won during the round-robin phase.
To Win Match
Super Giants 72/100 | Sunrisers 23/20
Having been the pace-setters for some time, DSG were pipped at the post by the Sunrisers when it comes to the top of the table but that won’t have any real bearing on their campaign.
Heinrich Klaasen looms as a player who can simply take the game right away from any opponent in this format.
Matthew Breetzke’s great form is a huge encouragement to the tournament organisers as this is exactly what they want to see young players doing on this platform.
DSG have lacked for really impactful fast bowling in this tournament, and have relied quite heavily on spin to win them matches.
Meanwhile, in the Sunrisers camp, it has been impactful fast bowling that has powered the Orange Army to new heights.
Australian Daniel Worral has emerged as their unlikely star with the ball but he has been well backed up by Ottniel Baartman.
Marco Jansen has also continued his fine summer and probably ranks as an international cricket star right now rather than a simple emerging player.
Last season they won the title the hard way but this term they can go straight into the final if they can overcome DSG for the second time this campaign.
Verdict: Sunrisers Eastern Cape 23/20
The Sunrisers’ strong bowling unit are tipped to carry the Eastern Cape outfit into the final.
