Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) have once again asserted their dominance in the SA20 league by securing a spot in the grand finale for the fourth consecutive time. In a high-stakes Qualifier 2 match against Paarl Royals, the Sunrisers displayed a masterclass in both bowling and batting to register a convincing 7-wicket victory. This win marks a historic moment in franchise cricket, as SEC continues to be the most consistent team in South Africa's premier T20 competition.
Paarl Royals Collapse Under Pressure
The match began with Paarl Royals winning the toss and electing to bat first, while however, their decision backfired as the Sunrisers' bowling attack, led by Senuran Muthusamy, dismantled their top and middle order. Paarl Royals struggled to find any momentum and could only manage a meager total of 114/7 in their allotted 20 over. Muthusamy was the star of the show, picking up 3 crucial. Wickets and maintaining an exceptional economy rate that left the opposition clueless.
A Swift Chase to the Finish Line
Chasing a target of 115, Sunrisers Eastern Cape showed no signs of nerves. They approached the chase with clinical precision, reaching 117/3 in just 11. 4 overs. The aggressive batting performance ensured that the match was over well before the closing stages, giving the team a massive boost in confidence ahead of the final, while with this victory, they've set up a mouth-watering final clash against Pretoria Capitals, the team that defeated them in Qualifier 1.
Matching Perth Scorchers' Legendary Feat
By reaching the final for the fourth consecutive season (2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026), Sunrisers Eastern Cape have joined an elite club. They're now only the second team in T20 franchise history to reach the finals in the first four seasons of a league. The only other team to achieve this was the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League between 2011 and 2014, while even legendary teams like Chennai Super Kings managed three finals in their first four years, making SEC's achievement truly extraordinary.
The Quest for a Third Title
The Sunrisers are already the most successful franchise in SA20 history, having won the title in 2023 and 2024. After finishing as runners-up in 2025 following a loss to MI Cape Town, the team is hungry to reclaim their throne. The final is scheduled to take place at the iconic Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on January 25. All eyes will be on whether Aiden Markram's side can complete their. Redemption arc and lift the trophy for the third time in four years.