SA20 Champions of Previous Seasons 2023/2024 | Records & Stats
The SA20 League is South Africa’s most exciting T20 cricket tournament, attracting fans worldwide. Since its start in the 2023 season, the league has grown in popularity, showcasing thrilling matches and exceptional talent. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have emerged as the most dominant team, winning the title in both the first and second seasons. Here’s a detailed look at their journey to glory.
SA20 League Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Cricket South Africa (CSA) |
| Inception | 2023 |
| Number of Teams | 6 |
| Current Champions | Sunrisers Eastern Cape |
| Most Titles | Sunrisers Eastern Cape (2 titles: 2023, 2024) |
| Finals Venues | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (2023, 2025); Newlands, Cape Town (2024) |
| Player of the Season (2023) | Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape) |
| Player of the Season (2024) | Heinrich Klaasen (Durban’s Super Giants) |
| Winning Teams | Sunrisers Eastern Cape (2 titles) |
Season 1: SA20 Champions 2023
The inaugural season of the SA20 League in 2023 was eagerly anticipated, with fans curious to see how South Africa’s new T20 league would perform. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape rose to the occasion, impressing everyone with their skills and teamwork.
Dominance in the Group Stage
Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, the Sunrisers were consistent throughout the group stage. Their balanced team of experienced players and young talent helped them secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
The Grand Final: Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs. Pretoria Capitals
The final was held at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Facing the strong Pretoria Capitals, the Sunrisers opted to field first. Their bowlers, especially Roelof van der Merwe, delivered a top-class performance, restricting the Capitals to 135 runs in 19.3 overs. Van der Merwe’s bowling earned him the Player of the Match award.
Chasing a target of 136, the Sunrisers showed nerves of steel. Key contributions from their top-order batsmen ensured they crossed the finish line with 137/6 in 16.2 overs, securing a four-wicket victory. Aiden Markram, with his consistent performances throughout the season, was named Player of the Tournament.
SA20 2023 Performance Stats
Most Runs
| Player | Team | Innings | Runs | Average | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | Paarl Royals | 11 | 391 | 39.10 | 70 |
| Faf du Plessis | Joburg Super Kings | 10 | 369 | 41.00 | 113* |
| Aiden Markram | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | 12 | 366 | 33.27 | 100 |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Durban’s Super Giants | 9 | 363 | 60.50 | 104* |
| Quinton de Kock | Durban’s Super Giants | 9 | 271 | 30.11 | 78 |
Most Wickets
| Player | Team | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roelof van der Merwe | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | 10 | 20 | 6/20 |
| Anrich Nortje | Pretoria Capitals | 11 | 20 | 3/12 |
| Gerald Coetzee | Joburg Super Kings | 9 | 17 | 4/24 |
| Eathan Bosch | Pretoria Capitals | 12 | 15 | 3/12 |
| James Neesham | Pretoria Capitals | 12 | 14 | 3/7 |
End-of-Season Awards
| Team/Player | Award | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Champions | R35 million (US$2.37 million) |
| Pretoria Capitals | Runners-up | R17.5 million (US$1.18 million) |
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Spirit of the Season | R100,000 (US$6,765.9) |
| Aiden Markram | Player of the Season | R350,000 (US$23,680.65) |
| Jos Buttler | Batter of the Season | R200,000 (US$13,531.8) |
| Roelof van der Merwe | Bowler of the Season | R200,000 (US$13,531.8) |
| Eathan Bosch | Rising Star | R100,000 (US$6,765.9) |
Season 2: SA20 Champions 2024
After their triumphant start in 2023, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape entered the 2024 season with high expectations. With most of their key players retained, they aimed to defend their title—and they did so in style.
A Stellar League Performance
The Sunrisers dominated the league stages once again. Heinrich Klaasen stood out as the team’s star, delivering exceptional performances with the bat. He ended the tournament as one of the highest run-scorers, earning the Player of the Tournament award for his consistency.
The Final: Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs. Durban’s Super Giants
The 2024 final was played at Newlands in Cape Town. Batting first, the Sunrisers posted an impressive total of 204/3 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant innings by Tom Abell and other top-order contributions.
The Sunrisers’ bowlers carried the momentum into the second innings, dismantling the Durban’s Super Giants for just 115 runs in 17 overs. The Sunrisers secured an emphatic 89-run victory, marking their second consecutive title. Heinrich Klaasen’s all-round contributions throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
SA20 2024 Performance Stats
Team Records: Highest Totals
| Team | Scores | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI Cape Town | 248/4 | Pretoria Capitals | Won | Centurion |
| MI Cape Town | 243/5 | Joburg Super Kings | Won | Johannesburg |
| Durban’s Super Giants | 225/3 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Won | Gqeberha |
| Pretoria Capitals | 214/8 | MI Cape Town | Lost | Centurion |
| Durban’s Super Giants | 211/6 | Joburg Super Kings | Won | Johannesburg |
Batting Records: Most Runs
| Player | Team | Inns | Runs | Ave | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Rickelton | MI Cape Town | 10 | 530 | 58.88 | 98 |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Durban’s Super Giants | 13 | 447 | 40.63 | 85 |
| Matthew Breetzke | Durban’s Super Giants | 13 | 416 | 32.00 | 78 |
| Jos Buttler | Paarl Royals | 11 | 408 | 40.80 | 70 |
| Leus du Plooy | Joburg Super Kings | 11 | 377 | 37.70 | 71 |
Bowling Records: Most Wickets
| Player | Team | Mat | Wkts | BBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Jansen | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | 10 | 20 | 5/30 |
| Ottniel Baartman | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | 8 | 18 | 4/10 |
| Daniel Worrall | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | 11 | 17 | 3/20 |
| Lizaad Williams | Joburg Super Kings | 9 | 15 | 4/26 |
| Keshav Maharaj | Durban’s Super Giants | 13 | 15 | 2/17 |
Team Awards
| Team | Award | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Champions | R35 million (US$2.37 million) |
| Durban’s Super Giants | Runners-up | R17.5 million (US$1.18 million) |
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Spirit of the Season | R100,000 (US$6,765.9) |
Individual Awards
| Name | Team | Award | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heinrich Klaasen | Durban’s Super Giants | Player of the Season | R350,000 (US$23,680.65) |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Durban’s Super Giants | Batter of the Season | R200,000 (US$13,531.8) |
| Ottniel Baartman | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Bowler of the Season | R200,000 (US$13,531.8) |
| Marco Jansen | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Rising Star | R100,000 (US$6,765.9) |
SA20 Team Performances
| Team | Titles | Runner-up | Seasons Won | Seasons Runner-up | Seasons Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape | 2 | – | 2023, 2024 | – | 2 |
| Pretoria Capitals | – | 1 | – | 2023 | 2 |
| Durban’s Super Giants | – | 1 | – | 2024 | 2 |
| Joburg Super Kings | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Paarl Royals | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| MI Cape Town | – | – | – | – | 2 |
SA20 Finals Summary
| Season | Winner | Winning Margin | Runner-up | Final Venue | Player of the Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Won by 4 wickets | Pretoria Capitals | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | Aiden Markram (SEC) |
| 2024 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Won by 89 runs | Durban’s Super Giants | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town | Heinrich Klaasen (DSG) |
Key Players Who Made the Difference
- Aiden Markram: The team’s captain was instrumental in both seasons, providing leadership and delivering with both bat and ball. His performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award in 2023.
- Heinrich Klaasen: Klaasen’s batting brilliance in the 2024 season made him an invaluable player. He was named Player of the Tournament for his consistent contributions.
- Roelof van der Merwe: His match-winning performance in the 2023 final highlighted his experience and ability to perform under pressure.
- Tom Abell: Abell’s standout innings in the 2024 final showed his capability to deliver in big matches.
Impact of Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s Success
The back-to-back wins by the Sunrisers Eastern Cape have significantly impacted South African cricket:
- Inspiring Young Cricketers: Their success motivates young players to excel in domestic leagues.
- Boosting the League’s Popularity: The team’s consistent performance has drawn global attention to the SA20 League.
- Strengthening National Cricket: Players like Klaasen and Markram bring their SA20 experience to the national team, enhancing South Africa’s international cricket performance.
FAQs
What is the SA20 League?
The SA20 League is South Africa’s premier T20 cricket tournament, organized by Cricket South Africa (CSA). It features six franchise teams and showcases top domestic and international talent.
Who are the most successful team in SA20 history?
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape are the most successful team, having won the title in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
How many teams participate in the SA20 League?
The league features six franchise teams: Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Pretoria Capitals, Durban’s Super Giants, Joburg Super Kings, Paarl Royals, and MI Cape Town.
Conclusion
The SA20 League has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of South African cricket. With two thrilling seasons so far, the league has not only entertained cricket fans but also provided a platform for emerging talents to shine. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have set the benchmark with their consecutive championship wins, showcasing exemplary team spirit and skill.
As the league continues to grow, it promises to bring more excitement, drama, and memorable moments to the cricketing world. The SA20 is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of South African cricket, and its impact on the global cricket stage will only continue to expand in the coming years. Fans are eagerly waiting to see which team will rise to the challenge next and whether the Sunrisers can maintain their dominance in future seasons.
