Pretoria Capitals One Win Away From Their First SA20 Title
Pretoria Capitals booked their place in the SA20 2025/26 final after defeating Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the same side that beat them in the inaugural season final. It is Pretoria’s second appearance in an SA20 final and it comes against the league’s most successful and in-form team.
The win capped a strong turnaround for Pretoria Capitals, who started the season with losses and in the lower half of the table. They climbed to the top at one stage and eventually finished second, their best league finish since the inaugural season.
After missing out on the playoffs spot for two consecutive years, Pretoria fans finally breathed a sigh of relief this season.
Pretoria Capitals vs SEC, Qualifier 1
Asked to bowl first, Pretoria Capitals restricted Sunrisers Eastern Cape to 170/7. Openers Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow began steadily. The breakthrough came when de Kock was bowled for 19 while attempting a slog sweep against Roston Chase.
Lungi Ngidi bowled just 2 overs with the new ball before leaving the field. He was heavily strapped on his left leg during warm-up. His availability for the final remains under assessment.
Bairstow held the innings together and brought up his fifty off 35 balls. However, he fell on the very next delivery, trapped in front by Keshav Maharaj, who eventually took 2 wickets. Gideon Peters and Bryce Parsons then struck in quick succession as Sunrisers slipped during the middle overs.
Parsons finished with 3 wickets, including the dismissal of Mathew Breetzke in the 19th over. A late cameo from James Coles pushed SEC to a competitive total of 170.
Parsons-Brevis Anchor the Chase
Pretoria Capitals lost Shai Hope early in the chase but Bryce Parsons and Connor Esterhuizen ensured a steady powerplay at 46/1. Parsons later stitched together a crucial partnership with Dewald Brevis, which turned the match decisively.
Brevis attacked Anrich Nortje and Senuran Muthusamy, scoring freely straight down the ground and into the leg side. With 94 needed off the last 10 overs, Pretoria batters stayed calm.
Parsons complemented Brevis well, keeping the scoreboard ticking without taking risks. He scored 60 off 44 balls, anchoring the chase. At the other end, Brevis was on song once again this season. He was hitting all around the ground.
Brevis remained unbeaten on 75 off 38, sealing the win with 3 sixes in the 19th over, with 9 balls remaining. Pretoria booked a direct entry into the final through this win. Parsons won the Player of the Match award for his all-round show.
The team’s most in-form batter Sherfane Rutherford’s involvement wasn’t needed as other batters stepped up. This is a good sign for Pretoria heading into the final, as throughout the season Brevis and Rutherford have bailed them out on most occasions.
The second finalist of the season will be decided through the Eliminator between Paarl Royals and Joburg Super Kings. The winner will face Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Qualifier 2. The winner of Qualifier 2 will play the final against Pretoria Capitals at Newlands, Cape Town.
Pretoria Capitals will now aim to go one step further and lift their maiden SA20 title.
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