Superb Sunrisers deliver goods again

Sunrisers Eastern Cape made their legions of Orange Army supporters and the entire Eastern Cape proud when they successfully defended their Betway SA20 cricket title. The superb Sunrisers delivered another brilliant performance when they demolished Durban’s Super Giants by 89 runs in Cape Town on Saturday. Gqeberha has been gripped by cricket fever for the past few weeks and the Orange Army flocked to St George’s Park in huge numbers to support their heroes.

Clearly, there is a hunger for top-quality action and cricket lovers have shown they will support events featuring some of the best players from around the world.

It was a shame the final was played in Cape Town instead of St George’s Park which always produces an electric atmosphere for big matches.

Despite two out-of-town teams contesting the final, however, picturesque Newlands was packed to the rafters to watch the showpiece game of the tournament

Though the Sunrisers assembled a star-studded array of players, the Eastern Cape team’s success was masterminded by their astute coaching staff.

Shrewd head coach Adrian Birrell, a former EP cricketer, instilled a deep sense of regional pride in his troops. Thanks to his association with Hampshire County Cricket Club in England, Birrell was able to source some of the best players from overseas to play for the Sunrisers. Birrell acknowledged the key role played by former Proteas speed merchant Dale Steyn in ensuring his side’s bowling attack always fired on all cylinders.

He said Steyn’s relaxed style and experience ensured that the team always listened carefully when he had a point to make. Steyn’s work on the bowling front, coupled with the processes implemented by batting coach Russell Domingo, were other reasons Birrell’s men reached another SA20 final.

Ahead of the final, the defending champions romped to a 51-run win over Durban’s Super Giants in a rain-affected qualifier in Cape Town.

Birrell ascribes the Sunrisers’ success to being able to assess conditions and keeping their opponents under pressure.

If the Sunrisers can retain the bulk of their squad, they have the firepower needed to make it a memorable hat-trick of titles in 2025.

After their recent showings, few would bet against a trophy treble!