SA20 2025/26 Match 24: Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Joburg Super Kings – Match Preview

Date: Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha
Time (GMT): 15:30
Time (Local): 17:30
Time (IST): 21:00

Match Context

After a rain-affected postponement, the highly anticipated SA20 2025/26 Match 24 between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings is set to take place at St George's Park, Gqeberha. Both teams are in the hunt for a top-four finish in the league stage, and this encounter promises to be a high-stakes affair with both sides eager to gain the upper hand in the race to the final.

This is the second time these teams will meet in the 2025/26 season, having previously clashed on January 3, which ended in a no-result due to weather. The winner of this match could significantly influence their standings and momentum going into the final stages of the tournament.

Team Form and Stats

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

• Position: 2nd on the points table with 19 points from 7 matches.
• Record: 3 wins, 2 losses, 2 no results.
• Net Run Rate: +2.269
• Key Strengths: Disciplined bowling unit and a strong top order led by Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow.

Joburg Super Kings

• Position: 3rd on the points table with 17 points from 7 matches.
• Record: 3 wins, 2 losses, 2 no results.
• Net Run Rate: +0.572
• Key Strengths: Explosive finishers like Donovan Ferreira and a balanced bowling attack led by Richard Gleeson.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 3 wins
• Joburg Super Kings: 1 win
• No Result: 1

Sunrisers have had the edge in recent encounters, although both teams are evenly matched in terms of form and experience.

Players to Watch

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

• Quinton de Kock (wk): The captain has been the most consistent run-scorer for the team with 218 runs at a strike rate of 184.
• Jonny Bairstow: Provides stability and a fearless approach at the top of the order.
• Anrich Nortje: One of the most dangerous pacers in the league, with 11 wickets at an average of 21.50.
• Adam Milne: A key death-overs bowler with a knack for picking crucial wickets.

Joburg Super Kings

• James Vince: Has been in good form, scoring 167 runs at an average of 55.66.
• Donovan Ferreira: The fastest run-scorer in the league with a strike rate of 184, and a big-hitting finisher.
• Richard Gleeson: The most economical bowler in the tournament with 9 wickets at an average of 16.44.
• Faf du Plessis (c): Brings experience and leadership to the side.

Venue Insights – St George’s Park, Gqeberha

• Average First Innings Score (2022-2026): 158.00
• Batting Second Win Percentage: 51%
• Wicket Breakdown:
  • Powerplay: 1.89 wickets
  • Middle Overs: 2.71 wickets
  • Death Overs: 2.12 wickets
• Key Takeaway: The pitch offers a good balance between batting and bowling. Spin can play a role in the middle overs, but the surface generally favors batters with a true bounce and carry.

Predicted Playing XIs

Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC)

1. Jonny Bairstow
2. Quinton de Kock (wk)
3. Matthew Breetzke
4. Jordan Hermann
5. Tristan Stubbs (c)
6. Marco Jansen
7. Senuran Muthusamy
8. Lewis Gregory
9. Anrich Nortje
10. Adam Milne
11. Tharindu Rathnayake

Joburg Super Kings (JSK)

1. James Vince
2. Faf du Plessis (c)
3. Matthew De Villiers
4. Wiaan Mulder
5. Michael Kyle (wk)
6. Donovan Ferreira
7. Prenelan Subrayen
8. Dian Forrester
9. Akeal Hosein
10. Nandre Burger
11. Daniel Worrall

Key Matchups

• Jonny Bairstow vs. Richard Gleeson: The opening batter against the most economical bowler in the tournament.
• Donovan Ferreira vs. Adam Milne: Two of the most dangerous finishers in the SA20.
• Quinton de Kock vs. Daniel Worrall: A crucial battle in the middle overs, especially with the pitch assisting spin.

Match Prediction

• Toss Prediction: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
• Win Prediction: Joburg Super Kings
• Top Batter: Quinton de Kock (SEC) or James Vince (JSK)
• Top Bowler: Anrich Nortje (SEC) or Richard Gleeson (JSK)
• Most Sixes: Donovan Ferreira (JSK) or Jordan Hermann (SEC)
• Player of the Match: Donovan Ferreira (JSK)

Final Thoughts

This is a crucial match for both teams as they look to secure a top-four finish in the league. While Sunrisers have the advantage in the head-to-head, Joburg Super Kings are coming into the game with a strong bowling unit and a powerful lower order that can change the course of the game in the final overs.

The toss will be pivotal, as St George's Park is a venue where chasing can be more rewarding. Expect a tight contest with both teams vying for control from the outset. Joburg Super Kings, with their explosive finish and disciplined bowling, might edge it in the end.

Final Prediction: Joburg Super Kings to win by 5-10 runs.
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