CRICKET
3 reasons that make Sunrisers Eastern Cape as favorites to win second edition of SA20
Sunrisers Eastern Cape were the inaugural champions in the maiden season of SA20. Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, Cape managed to win the first-ever edition of the league due to the contributions of several players. A complete team effort meant that the Sunrisers could win the trophy. This time around, they seem to have got a better team at their disposal. They have very good players for the 2nd edition of the league.
Cape will again be led by Markram. They have some talented players like Sarel Erwee, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, and so on. Along with that, they have some well-established players like Dawid Malan, Captain Markram himself, Temba Bavuma and others. The outlook of the squad of the men in orange seems very good yet again. The challenge for them would be to meet the expectations of the fans who regard them as the favourites to win the title.
The second edition of the league is just hours away from starting. With that being said, here is the time to look at the 3 reasons that make Sunrisers Eastern Cape as favourites to win the second edition of the league.
3. Experienced campaigners in the lineup
SA20 (Source: X)
Sunrisers Eastern Cape have some of the most experienced campaigners in their lineup. It includes the likes of Aiden Markram, Dawid Malan, and Temba Bavuma. Markram has played a lot of cricket by now, particularly in the T20 leagues, where he has made a name for himself. On many sides, he has been the captain at a young age.
While Markram is experienced despite being young, Bavuma can provide him assistance with his experience as a leader. Bavuma has led SA in the ODI WC. Add to it the fact that he knows the conditions of Durban well. They also have Malan who is vastly experienced in T20 leagues across the world. The wicket at Durban suits his style of batting.
2. Incredible depth in batting
SA20 (Source: X)
The batting lineup of SRH Eastern Cape is simply incredible. They have experienced batters like Temba Bavuma and Dawid Malan at the top. To follow him would be the captain Markram himself, who form a good top order. Given the top-heavy nature of the batting, Sarel Erwee is likely to bat at 4. All of them have proved themselves at the highest level.
Down the order, the Eastern Cape have deadly finishers like Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen. Along with them, they have other talented batters like Andile Simelane, Tom Abell, Jordan Hermann, and others who can fill in a couple of roles in the middle order. All of them can come in handy given the stage set for them to give their best.
1. Potent bowling attack
SA20 (Source: X)
The bowling of SRH Eastern Cape looks strong. They lack an experienced pacer at the highest level barring Jansen. Yet, they have got some very good players in their lineup. They have Liam Dawson as the spinner. Caleb Seleka can be handy as a leg spinner. The pace bowling attack is one of the main strengths of the side that also helped them to win in 2023.
Marco Jansen would be handling the new ball. They have Patrick Kruger who can be deadly. Brydon Carse and Craig Overton have the wood over the batters in seaming wickets. They have local pacers who have shined at the highest levels like Simon Harmer and Sisanda Magala. They also have Daniel Worrall who has played a lot in several T20 leagues across the globe.