Sunrisers Eastern Cape's big test against MI Cape Town in title defense
| Date | February 08, 2025 |
| Time | 9:00 PM IST |
| Venue | The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | SA20, 2025 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Rassie van der Dussen has odds of 2.90 to be MI Cape Town's best batsman
- David Bedingham has odds of 3.90 to be Sunrisers Eastern Cape's best batsman
- Rashid Khan has odds of 3.25 to be MI Cape Town's best bowler
- Marco Jansen has odds of 3.35 to be Sunrisers Eastern Cape's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
It is the final in the SA20, 2025, and the MI Cape Town will aim for their maiden title as they take on the defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The MI Cape Town finished at the top of the points table in the group stage and defeated the Paarl Royals in the 1st Qualifier. They have lost only thrice this season and shall start the game with higher odds. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape defeated the Royals convincingly in the 2nd Qualifier. They won the tournament in 2023 and 2024, and the players have done well on the big stage and aim for a hat trick of titles this year. The stakes are high, and both teams will be under pressure during this game. We expect a close contest as neither team will look to finish runner-up, having come this far.
MI Cape Town Preview
It has been a dream season for Rashid Khan and his men. They have been in the driver's seat since the start of the season and finished on the top of the points table. The team has built momentum with a clinical show in the 1st Qualifier against the Paarl Royals. They won the game by 39 and have improved their odds on cricket betting sites. They have defeated the Sunrisers twice on the league stage, and Khan shall expect his players to draw inspiration from those victories.
Rassie van der Dussen has made 370 runs this season and will look to deliver a strong start with Ryan Rickelton, as in the last game. Dewald Brevis, Reeza Hendricks, and Sediqullah Atal make it a formidable middle order, and the team expects big partnerships. George Linde and Delano Potgieter are good hitters, and the team expects fireworks from them in the lower middle.
Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada bring much experience to the bowling attack, and the team expects early strikes from them to put the Sunrisers Eastern Cape under pressure. Rashid Khan adds an X-factor to this attack, and he will look to do well in the middle overs with Corbin Bosch. George Linde and Delano Potgieter complete a strong attack for the team, making them confident.
Expected Starting XI for MI Cape Town
Rashid Khan (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Sediqullah Atal, Dewald Brevis, Delano Potgieter, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Preview
Aiden Markram's side defeated the Paarl Royals by 8 wickets in the 2nd Qualifier to book a berth in their third final. The side hasn't been consistent this season, which explains their lower odds on cricket betting apps. The team suffered big losses against MI Cape Town in both league games, which will be on the players' minds. Markram must lead from the front and take inspiration from their title wins in the last two editions.
Tony de Zorzi batted brilliantly in the last game and must deliver a strong start with David Bedingham, who has enjoyed good form. Jordan Hermann must anchor the innings in the middle order and add runs with Tom Abell and Aiden Markram. They have depth in the batting and expect runs from Craig Overton, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, and Liam Dawson in the death overs.
The bowling attack has been a weakness for the team this season. Marco Jansen and Craig Overton must get the early breakthroughs. Markram bowled well in the last game, and he must put brakes on the scoring rate in the middle overs with Ottniel Baartman. Richard Gleeson and Liam Dawson will look to keep the scoring under check in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Tony de Zorzi, Jordan Hermann, Tom Abell, Tristan Stubbs (wk), Marco Jansen, Craig Overton, Liam Dawson, Ottneil Baartman, Richard Gleeson
TOSS: To Bowl First
The team chasing the score has won this venue's last seven out of ten games. It is the best batting surface in South Africa, and we have seen big run chases in the past. It is a high-pressure contest, and the side winning the toss would like to put the opponent on the bat and aim for early wickets.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We will have partly overcast skies over Johannesburg. The wicket will be flat, but the bowlers will enjoy movement due to the underlying moisture on this track. We expect to see a high score content, as is the trend in this venue. The side batting first will need more than 180 runs to feel safe in this game.
OUR PREDICTION
Sunrisers Eastern Cape are the defending champions, but by their standards, they have struggled this season. The bowling attack lacks teeth, and on a flat batting surface, it will be a massive challenge for them. MI Cape Town has been the side to beat. They have their top order in good form and a stronger bowling attack. Going by recent form and our cricket betting tips, the MI Cape Town will start favorites in this game.
Our Prediction is for MI Cape Town to win
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