It’s crunch time in the Betway SA20, as teams are now fighting tooth and nail to register as many points as possible, with the play-offs set to get underway next Wednesday.
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape will be hosting the struggling Durban Super Giants at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, just two days after their game at Kingsmead Stadium was abandoned without a ball bowled.
The two-time SA20 champions have been impressive this season, as they are sitting on top of the summit with 19 points, followed by Joburg Super Kings, who are applying pressure to topple them.
Season four of the SA20 has been a campaign of records, with the Sunrisers storming to a first-ever victory over the Pretoria Capitals at Centurion last Monday.
The Sunrisers completed their highest successful run-chase in Betway SA20 history when they cruised past Capitals’ 176/7 with all 10 wickets to spare, which ultimately propelled Tristan Stubbs’ side back to the top of the table.
They do, though, face off against a wounded Super Giants side that is desperately in need of points, with the hope of still securing as many points as possible, with the hope of reaching the playoffs.
Sunrisers coach Adrian Birrell said he is not looking too far ahead and is wary of the threat the Super Giants pose.
“If you look at Durban’s Super Giants, they have some world-class players and are a good unit, and it’s pretty much like that throughout the competition.
“Every game is going to be difficult. We’re in a good place, but there are no guarantees, and every team is still in the running.
“The quality of the opposition is significant, and we’ll need to be at the top of our game every time we take the field,” Birrell said.
The Durban outfit has not had a good run in the SA20 this season, as they have only managed to pull off one win out of six matches, which includes two washed-out clashes.
This leaves Aiden Markram and his men with an uphill battle to reach the playoffs.
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