PR vs SEC

Aiden Markram (captain, Sunrisers Eastern Cape): Another good night, was very happy to restrict them to sub-180 and we needed a really good start from our top 3, which we got. It is a big lift for the guys to be honest. Tony and Jordi are going to feel different batters and fantastic for us as a team. We'll get some rest now and go again on Saturday

David Miller (Paarl Royals Captain): "(Whether the consecutive losses played on their mind) No, not at all. We came into the game with a few losses but this was a new game. Everyone was up for it and we were prepared well for this fixture. That's the way the game goes and we have ended up losing the game. We have lost four games on the trot but incredibly proud of the side. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kwena Maphaka, Joe Root all came through. Rubin Hermann was fantastic as well. I wish the Sunrisers all the best for the final. Well done to them."

Tony de Zorzi (Player of the Match): "It is very cool. I am very grateful to Aiden (Aiden Markram) and Adi (Adrian Birrell, Head Coach) for giving me the opportunity which wasn't warranted. Really happy I got the chance. Coach told me that a big one is coming. Just told me to express myself. A lot of guys are in form with bat or ball, so just feel one of them will stand up in the final."

8:55 pm local time, 12:25 am IST: Sunrisers Eastern Cape beat Paarl Royals by 8 wickets and advance into the finals

SEC: 177/2 in 19.2 overs

Tony de Zorzi: 78(49b) | Dunith Wellalage: 1/26 (3 overs)
Jordan Hermann: 69(48b)* | Kwena Maphaka: 1/29 (3.2 overs)

Three seasons for SA20, three finals appearances for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. No one, gave them a chance after three losses in three games at the start and just when everyone had written them off, they come back in style. Not only that, they beat JSK, now Paarl Royals with MI Cape Town standing between them and a third championship!

The start of SEC's chase was similar to that of the Paarl Royals, as they lost the wicket of David Bedingham quite cheaply. But from there on, Tony de Zorzi and Jordan Hermann never looked back and kept blazing. The two put together 111 runs before the Nelson curse struck and accounted for Tony de Zorzi. Hermann kept going great guns and accompanied Aiden Markram, who hit the winning runs to set up a date in the finals.

One's got to feel for Paarl Royals, who have been terrific throughout the tournament but have been very lacklustre in the knockouts. Kwena Maphaka was the one to pick up the first wicket, but no other bowler could have a half chance as well. Later in the innings, it was Dunith Welllage who picked up a wicket, but it was a bit too late as SEC was coasting along to their win.

In 2023 we saw SEC take on Pretoria Capitals, in 2024 saw SEC take on DSG and now, in 2025, SEC will be up against MI Cape Town. Will they make it a hat-trick of titles?

Join us in a bit as we take you through the presentation ceremony for this 
game

19.2 Kwena Maphaka to Aiden Markram, THAT IS IT! SEC WRAP UP THE GAME! Full-toss angling away, Markram drives it the right of deep covers and the ball races away to the fence. What a way to wrap up the game with four balls to spare and qualify for the final! They are one game away from lifting a third consecutive title!

19.1 Kwena Maphaka to Aiden Markram, WICKET! WHAT A DELIVERY FROM MAPHAKA! Yorker on the stumps, Markram looks to turn it to the leg-side but he misses. Big LBW appeal and the umpire lifts his finger while Aiden Markram opts to review the decision! There is a spike on the Ultra-Edge.

18.6 Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Jordan Hermann, length delivery sliding in, Jordan heaves it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. SEC need 3 runs off the final over!

18.5 Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Jordan Hermann, length delivery fired in, Jordan tries to move across and pull it behind square but he fails to connect.

18.4 Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Jordan Hermann, full and sliding in, Jordan tries to swing it over mid-wicket but he only gets an inside-edge onto the pad. No run.

18.3 Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Jordan Hermann, SIX! Dragged down by Mujeeb, Jordan pulls it over long-on for a maximum. That should seal the game for SEC!

18.2 Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Jordan Hermann, length delivery fired in, Jordan looks to pull but he only manages an under-edge onto the pad. No run.