The inaugural season of the SA20 tournament brought the birth of a promising and enthusiastic team, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, a professional Twenty20 franchise cricket team. Established in 2022, this team brings an invigorating and competitive edge to the South African cricketing landscape.
Based in Gqeberha: Hailing from Gqeberha, South Africa, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape represents the city’s vibrant spirit and enthusiasm for the sport. The team’s home ground at the historic St George’s Park Cricket Ground forms the battleground for their spirited contests.
Leadership and Coaching: Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, the team has a dynamic captain whose skills and temperament promise to guide the team toward excellence. Adrian Birrell, a seasoned coach, provides strategic direction, nurturing a strong team ethos.
Ownership and Vision: The Indian SUN Group, the proud owner of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, brings a vision to elevate the team’s performance and standing in the T20 format. Their commitment to nurturing talent and developing a winning culture bodes well for the team’s future.
The Squad: Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s squad for the debut season is a blend of experienced local players and international stars. With Aiden Markram leading the squad, the team boasts players like Temba Bavuma, JJ Smuts, and Sisanda Magala, offering depth and skills across all aspects of the game.
International Stalwarts: The inclusion of international talents such as Tom Abell, Mason Crane, and Adam Rossington adds a layer of global expertise, enriching the team’s overall strength and tactical diversity.
Youthful Vigor and Potential: The squad also presents exciting prospects such as Jordan Hermann, Marco Jansen, and Jordan Cox, showcasing the team’s commitment to nurturing and providing opportunities for young talents.
Bowling Prowess: With a well-balanced bowling attack comprising talented fast bowlers like Ottniel Baartman, Brydon Carse, and spinners Junaid Dawood and Mason Crane, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape look formidable and promising in their debut season.
Most runs
| Player | Runs | Batting average | High score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | 366 | 33.27 | 100 | 1 | 1 |
| Adam Rossington | 246 | 27.33 | 72 | 0 | 2 |
| JJ Smuts | 202 | 28.85 | 66 | 0 | 2 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 190 | 21.11 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Jordan Hermann | 184 | 23.00 | 59 | 0 | 1 |
Most wickets
| Player | Wickets | Bowling average | Best bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roelof van der Merwe | 20 | 9.55 | 6/20 |
| Sisanda Magala | 14 | 24.00 | 2/22 |
| Ottniel Baartman | 12 | 16.91 | 3/45 |
| Aiden Markram | 11 | 14.63 | 2/7 |
| Marco Jansen | 8 | 34.37 | 1/5 |
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape is on a mission to make its mark on the T20 cricketing map of South Africa. With a combination of experienced heads, promising young talent, and strategic coaching, the team is poised to enthral cricket enthusiasts and establish itself as a rising force in the SA20 tournament.
