Sunrisers Eastern Cape 2025: Champions of SA20 & Ready for More
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape is not just another cricket team; they are a symbol of grit, talent, and a never-say-die attitude in South African cricket. Since their formation in 2022, the Sunrisers have made an indelible mark in the SA20 league. With their thrilling performances and strong team spirit, they emerged as the winners of the first-ever SA20 season and have since continued to impress. As they gear up for the 2025 season, let’s dive into the key aspects that make the Sunrisers Eastern Cape a team to watch.
| Team Name | Sunrisers Eastern Cape |
| Owner | SUN Group (also owns Sunrisers Hyderabad) |
| Home Ground | St George’s Park Cricket Ground, Gqeberha |
| Captain | Aiden Markram |
| Head Coach | Adrian Birrell |
| Title Sponsor | Baji |
| Other Sponsors | Airlink, Lotto, Cadbury, Mercedes-Benz |
| Championships | SA20 Champions (2023, 2024) |
| Kit Colors | Orange and Black |
| 2025 Season Goal | Defend SA20 Title |
Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Winner of First SA20 Season
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape captured the hearts of fans in the 2023 SA20 season by claiming the championship in their debut year. In a nail-biting final, they defeated the Pretoria Capitals by 4 wickets at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. This victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The Sunrisers showed their mettle by chasing down a competitive total with confidence and skill. The win placed them on the map as one of the strongest franchises in the league, and their journey since has been nothing short of inspirational.
In the 2024 season, the Sunrisers successfully defended their title by crushing Durban’s Super Giants in the final, winning by a massive 89 runs. Their back-to-back championships have solidified their position as a powerhouse in the SA20 league, and now, in 2025, they are hungry for more success.
Team Identity of Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape is known for its bold and energetic identity. Their team colors, orange and black, represent their aggressive approach to the game. The team’s slogan emphasizes their never-back-down attitude, making them a favorite among fans who appreciate hard-fought victories and high-energy performances.
Their home ground, the historic St George’s Park Cricket Ground, is a fortress for the team. Fans gather in large numbers to support the Sunrisers, creating an electric atmosphere that fuels the players on the field. The team’s identity is built around resilience, teamwork, and the desire to represent Eastern Cape with pride.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Kit and Jersey
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape jersey is instantly recognizable. The bold orange and black colors symbolize the team’s fiery and determined spirit. The kit features the title sponsor’s logo in a prominent position, along with other sponsor logos, giving it a sleek and modern look. The kit has become a fan favorite, with supporters proudly donning the jersey during matches.
Captain of Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape are led by none other than Aiden Markram, an exceptional all-rounder and one of South Africa’s most talented cricketers. Markram’s leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to perform with both bat and ball make him a perfect captain for the Sunrisers. Under his guidance, the team has won two SA20 titles, and he continues to lead them into the 2025 season with the same determination.
Anthem of Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Every great team has an anthem that stirs the hearts of its fans, and the Sunrisers Eastern Cape is no different. Their anthem is a celebration of their spirit and strength, played before every home game to unite the fans and players. It’s a song that represents the Eastern Cape’s rich heritage and the team’s passion for cricket.
Squad of Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape squad for the 2025 season is packed with talent. The team features a blend of experienced international stars and young local talent. Here are some of the key players:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | Captain |
| Jordan Hermann | Batsman |
| David Bedingham | Batsman |
| Zack Crawley | Batsman |
| Tom Abell | All-rounder |
| Marco Jansen | All-rounder |
| Patrick Kruger | All-rounder |
| Beyers Swanepoel | All-rounder |
| Andile Simelane | All-rounder |
| Craig Overton | All-rounder |
| Liam Dawson | All-rounder |
| Tristan Stubbs | Wicket-keeper |
| Simon Harmer | Spin bowler |
| Caleb Seleka | Spin bowler |
| Roelof van der Merwe | Spin bowler |
| Ottniel Baartman | Fast bowler |
This combination of youth and experience makes the Sunrisers a well-rounded team capable of taking on any opposition.
Team Schedule of Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have an exciting schedule for the 2025 season. Fans can expect thrilling matches at some of the most iconic venues in South Africa, including their home ground at St George’s Park. Key fixtures include clashes with tough competitors like Pretoria Capitals and Durban’s Super Giants, ensuring plenty of excitement for their supporters.
Previous Season Successes
Sunrisers have one title to their name, which they won in a nail-biting final two seasons ago. However, they need to work on maintaining consistency throughout the league stages.
| Year | Played | Wins | Losses | Tied/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| 2023-24 | 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 |
Owner of Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape is owned by the Indian conglomerate SUN Group, a well-known entity in the world of sports ownership. The SUN Group also owns the Sunrisers Hyderabad, a successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their investment in South African cricket has brought global attention to the SA20 tournament. The SUN Group’s involvement has helped the team develop not just on the field but also off the field, contributing to a strong management structure and a loyal fan base.
Sponsors of Sunrisers Eastern Cape
For the 2025 season, Sunrisers Eastern Cape has a strong lineup of sponsors backing them, which reflects their growing influence in the cricket world. Their title sponsor for the season is Baji, a company that has been prominently featured on the team’s jersey. Additionally, they have key partnerships with several major brands:
- Airlink, a leading regional airline in South Africa, supports the team with travel logistics.
- Lotto, a well-known sportswear company, provides the team’s kit and apparel.
- Cadbury, a popular chocolate brand, adds a sweet touch to their list of sponsors.
- Mercedes-Benz, the luxury automobile brand, is also associated with the team, bringing prestige to their sponsorship lineup.
These sponsors not only support the team’s operational needs but also help boost the brand value of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape as they continue to dominate in the SA20 league
Coaching Staff of Sunrisers Eastern Cape
A successful cricket team needs a strong support system, and the Sunrisers Eastern Cape have built a world-class coaching team led by head coach Adrian Birrell. With his vast experience and tactical brilliance, Birrell has helped guide the team to their two SA20 championships. The coaching staff includes:
- Assistant Coach: Baakier Abrahams, who brings fresh ideas and tactical insights to the team.
- Batting Coach: Russell Domingo, a former coach of the South African national team, known for developing strong batting units.
- Bowling Coach: Dale Steyn, a South African legend and one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, who ensures the team’s pace attack is sharp and deadly.
- Fielding Coach: Ryan Cook, who focuses on enhancing the team’s fielding abilities and maintaining high energy levels on the field.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Adrian Birrell |
| Assistant coach | Baakier Abrahams |
| Batting coach | Russell Domingo |
| Bowling coach | Dale Steyn |
| Fielding coach | Ryan Cook |
This team of experts ensures that the Sunrisers Eastern Cape remain well-prepared, both mentally and physically, for the challenges of the SA20 tournament.
Conclusion
In summary, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape is a dynamic team that has proven its strength by winning back-to-back SA20 championships. With strong leadership from Aiden Markram, a talented squad, and excellent coaching, they are set for another exciting 2025 season. Backed by notable sponsors like Baji, Airlink, Lotto, and Mercedes-Benz, they have the resources and support to continue their winning ways. Fans are eager to see them defend their title and bring more success to Eastern Cape cricket.
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