Sunrisers Eastern Cape thump Joburg Super Kings to qualify for SA20 playoffs

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape returned to winning ways in Gqeberha on Wednesday night, thrashing the Joburg Super Kings by 61 runs to reclaim the top spot in the standings.

Following a narrow defeat to Durban’s Super Giants at St George’s Park on Sunday, it was vital for the two-time champions to rediscover their form. They did so in emphatic style, becoming the first team to officially secure a place in the Season 4 play-offs.

The hosts were inspired by half-centuries from James Coles (61) and Quinton de Kock (54), before a disciplined bowling display led by Senuran Muthusamy (3/26) dismantled a wounded Super Kings outfit.

Heading into the clash, the visitors were rocked by the news that captain and opening batter Faf du Plessis had been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a thumb ligament injury. In his absence, Donovan Ferreira took the captaincy, but the visitors sorely missed Du Plessis's experience as they stumbled in their pursuit of a 179-run target.

Muthusamy was the chief architect of the collapse, weaving a web around the Joburg middle order to claim the wickets of Michael Pepper (21), Dian Forrester (11), and Wiaan Mulder (3). He was well supported by Coles (2/34), who capped a fine all-round performance by removing openers James Vince (30) and Rivaldo Moonsamy (10).

However, the real star with the ball was Anrich Nortje. The Proteas speedster looked back to his absolute best, combining searing pace with pinpoint control to return remarkable figures of 1/13 from his four overs. Marco Jansen also proved a handful, claiming 2/31 to help secure the Sunrisers’ fourth bonus-point win of the campaign.

Earlier, the Sunrisers’ innings was anchored by De Kock, who struck 54 off 37 balls, including two sixes and five fours. Coles then provided the late-innings fireworks, smashing 61 off just 34 deliveries (10 fours) to guide the home side to a highly competitive 178/5 on a surface typically known for lower scores.

With their play-off berth confirmed, the Sunrisers turn their attention to a double-header against MI Cape Town — starting at Newlands on Friday before returning to Gqeberha on Sunday. The fixtures offer a chance for revenge, as the Sunrisers look to level the score against the side that beat them in last season’s final.

Full Scorecard

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 178/5 (James Cole 61, Quinton de Kock 54; Donovan Ferreira 2/25)

Joburg Super Kings: 117 all out (James Vince 30; Senuran Muthusamy 3/26, Marco Jansen 2/33)

Sunrisers Eastern Cape won by 61 runs.