SA20 2025/26 Final Preview: Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, 25th January 2026
• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
• Start Time: 13:30 GMT | 15:30 Local | 19:00 IST
• Match: Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 2025/26 Final
• Broadcast and Live Streaming: JioStar Network Channels & JioHotstar app & website

Team Form and Performance

Pretoria Capitals

The Pretoria Capitals have been a formidable side in the 2025/26 SA20 season, finishing second in the league stage with 24 points from 10 matches. Their record of 5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no result reflects their consistency and adaptability. The team has shown strong top-order batting and has the ability to chase down challenging totals. Key performers have included Sherfane Rutherford, who has been in scintillating form, and Keshav Maharaj, who has been a consistent threat with the ball.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been the standout team of the season, finishing first in the league stage with 28 points from 10 matches. They have a record of 5 wins, 3 losses, and 2 no results, with a superior net run rate of +1.762. Their balanced approach has been evident, with Quinton de Kock leading the batting charge and Anrich Nortje spearheading the bowling attack. Their consistency and depth in all departments have made them strong contenders for the title.

Key Players to Watch

Pretoria Capitals

• Sherfane Rutherford: The explosive opener has been in sensational form, scoring 317 runs at an average of 79.2 and a strike rate of ~166.
• Dewald Brevis: The middle-order anchor has contributed 269 runs at a strike rate of 148.6.
• Keshav Maharaj: The leg-spinner has been a consistent wicket-taker, taking 11 wickets at an economy of 6.62.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

• Quinton de Kock: The skipper has been in scintillating form, scoring 372 runs at an average of 41.3 and a strike rate of 150.
• Jordan Hermann: A vital middle-order batsman, contributing 270 runs at an average of 38.57.
• Anrich Nortje: The pace spearhead has been devastating, taking 17 wickets at an average of 15.6.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

• Pretoria Capitals: 4 wins
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 1 win

The Capitals have dominated the recent encounters, but the Sunrisers have been gaining momentum in the final stages of the tournament.

Pitch Report: Newlands, Cape Town

Newlands has been a fascinating venue for the SA20, with a noticeable evolution in the pitch conditions over the years. Historically, it has been a batting-friendly track, with the average 1st innings score rising from 150.4 in 2023 to 182.1 in 2025. However, the 2026 edition saw a dip in the first innings score to 116.67, indicating that the pitch may have become more challenging.

• Batting Conditions: Moderate to challenging
• Bowling Conditions: Good for spin and pace
• Wickets Per Innings: 6.60 (1st), 5.79 (2nd)
• Win Percentages:
  • Team batting first: 41%
  • Team batting second: 59%

Given these conditions, the team batting second is likely to have a slight advantage.

Probable Playing XIs

Pretoria Capitals (11)

1. Sherfane Rutherford
2. Connor Esterhuizen (wk)
3. Shai Hope
4. Dewald Brevis
5. Roston Chase
6. Andre Russell
7. Keshav Maharaj (c)
8. Lungi Ngidi
9. Tymal Mills
10. Wihan Lubbe
11. Lizaad Williams

Sunrisers Eastern Cape (11)

1. Quinton de Kock (wk)
2. Jonny Bairstow
3. Tristan Stubbs (c)
4. Matthew Breetzke
5. Jordan Hermann
6. Marco Jansen
7. Patrick Kruger
8. Anrich Nortje
9. Chris Wood
10. Senuran Muthusamy
11. Lutho Sipamla

Match Predictions

• Toss Prediction: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
• Match Winner Prediction: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
• Top Batter: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers)
• Top Bowler: Anrich Nortje (Sunrisers)
• Most Sixes: Quinton de Kock (Sunrisers)
• Player of the Match: Marco Jansen (Sunrisers)
• Projected Scores:
  • Sunrisers batting first: 175+
  • Pretoria batting first: 165+

Final Verdict

This final promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape, with their superior net run rate and form, will be the favorites, but the Pretoria Capitals’ recent head-to-head success and explosive batting could swing the match in their favor. With Newlands offering a tricky surface, the team batting second could have the edge. The battle between Quinton de Kock and Sherfane Rutherford in the batting department and Anrich Nortje versus Keshav Maharaj in the bowling will be the key to the outcome.

Who will lift the SA20 2025/26 trophy? The answer lies in the final, and it promises to be a match for the ages.
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