Sunrisers Eastern Cape Clinch Third SA20 Title as Stubbs and Breetzke Overpower Brevis' Heroic Century

In a thrilling SA20 final at Newlands, Cape Town, Sunrisers Eastern Cape secured their third title in four editions of the tournament, defeating Pretoria Capitals by six wickets despite a remarkable century from Dewald Brevis.

Match Overview

The Capitals, after being put into bat, posted a competitive 158-7 in their 20 overs. However, their total proved insufficient as the Sunrisers chased down 159 with four balls to spare, thanks to a stunning fifth-wicket partnership between Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs.

This victory cements Sunrisers Eastern Cape's dominance in the SA20, having now won three of the four tournaments held. Their only blemish came in last year's final when they fell to MI Cape Town.

Brevis Delivers a Century for the Ages

Dewald Brevis produced a masterclass in T20 batting, hammering 101 off just 56 deliveries. The 22-year-old South African batter lit up Newlands with seven towering sixes, carrying the Capitals' innings almost single-handedly.

However, the lack of substantial support from his teammates ultimately proved costly. Only Bryce Parsons (30 off 30) and Sherfane Rutherford (17 off 11) managed double figures alongside Brevis, leaving the centurion's heroic effort in vain.

Jansen's Brilliant Bowling Spell

South Africa left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen was instrumental in restricting the Capitals, returning exceptional figures of 3-10. His ability to contain and take wickets ensured that despite Brevis' brilliance, Pretoria could not accelerate beyond 158.

Jansen's spell proved to be one of the most economical and impactful performances of the tournament, setting up the chase for his team.

The Chase: From Crisis to Glory

Sunrisers' pursuit of 159 did not start according to plan. They found themselves in deep trouble at 48-4 in the ninth over, with the dangerous Jonny Bairstow falling for a golden duck to Lungi Ngidi in the very first over.

The situation looked dire for the defending champions, but what followed was one of the most remarkable partnerships in SA20 final history.

Breetzke and Stubbs: The Match-Winning Partnership

Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs came together with their team reeling and produced an unbroken stand of 114 off just 65 balls for the fifth wicket. Both South Africa internationals showcased their class under immense pressure.

Breetzke anchored the innings superbly, finishing unbeaten on 68 off 49 balls, while Stubbs played the role of the aggressor to perfection with 62 not out off 41 deliveries.

The Decisive Final Overs

With 42 required from the last three overs, the equation seemed daunting. But Sunrisers attacked with precision:

• 18th over (Gideon Peters): 21 runs
• 19th over (Lungi Ngidi): 12 runs
• 20th over: Only 9 needed

Stubbs then sealed the victory in emphatic fashion, striking two consecutive sixes off Bryce Parsons to spark wild celebrations among the Sunrisers faithful.

Captain and Team Leadership

The composure shown by Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the face of adversity speaks volumes about their team culture and leadership. Recovering from 48-4 to win a tournament final requires not just skill but immense mental fortitude, and the Sunrisers demonstrated both in abundance.

Looking Ahead

With three titles in four years, Sunrisers Eastern Cape have established themselves as the benchmark franchise in the SA20. Their ability to develop match-winners like Breetzke and Stubbs, combined with experienced internationals like Jansen, creates a formidable core for future campaigns.

For Pretoria Capitals, the loss will sting, particularly given Brevis' extraordinary effort. Building a more consistent supporting cast around their young star will be crucial if they are to challenge for the title in future editions.

Dewald Brevis, at just 22, has shown he possesses the talent to be a cornerstone of South African cricket for years to come. His century in a losing cause will not be forgotten, even as Sunrisers celebrate another triumph.