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The SA20 2025 is entering its most crucial phase, with teams battling hard for a place in the playoffs. Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape take on the struggling Pretoria Capitals at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, in a pivotal clash. The Sunrisers have found momentum with two consecutive wins, including a strong performance against Durban Super Giants. In contrast, the Capitals have struggled, winning only once in five games and facing a must-win situation to stay alive in the tournament.
Match Details
| Match | Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Pretoria Capitals, Match 17 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, January 18, 2025 |
| Time | 5:30 PM Local / 3:30 PM GMT |
| Venue | St George’s Park, Gqeberha |
Teams Preview
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have displayed resilience, bouncing back after three consecutive losses to register two wins on the trot. Aiden Markram has led the team with determination, and the side has shown excellent balance in recent outings.
Strengths: The middle order has been a key factor in their resurgence, with players like Aiden Markram, Jordan Hermann, and Tristan Stubbs delivering consistently. All-rounders Marco Jansen and Liam Dawson add depth to the batting and provide flexibility in the bowling department.
Concerns: The opening pair of David Bedingham and Zak Crawley has been inconsistent, and a good start will be crucial in this game.
Bowling: The bowlers, led by Marco Jansen, Richard Gleeson, and Ottniel Baartman, have been effective in restricting opponents, with spinners like Simon Harmer providing control in the middle overs.
Predicted XI:
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Zak Crawley, Tom Abell, Jordan Hermann, Tristan Stubbs (wk), Marco Jansen, Liam Dawson, Simon Harmer, Ottniel Baartman, Richard Gleeson
Pretoria Capitals
The Pretoria Capitals have underperformed this season, with inconsistent displays from their key players. In their last match, they posted a competitive total of 212 runs but failed to defend it, losing to the Paarl Royals by eight wickets.
Strengths: The batting lineup boasts explosive players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Will Jacks, and Will Smeed, who are capable of turning the game around.
Concerns: The middle and lower order, including players like Kyle Verreynne and James Neesham, have not consistently delivered under pressure. The bowling unit has struggled, especially in the middle overs, with a lack of discipline costing them games.
Key Players: The team will heavily rely on Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a quick start and James Neesham for impactful all-round contributions.
Predicted XI:
Rilee Rossouw (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Will Jacks, Will Smeed, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marques Ackerman, James Neesham, Senuran Muthusamy, Migael Pretorius, Eathan Bosch, Tiaan van Vuuren
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (C) | All-rounder |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper |
| Will Jacks | Batter |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter |
| Will Smeed | Batter |
| Marco Jansen (VC) | All-rounder |
| Liam Dawson | All-rounder |
| James Neesham | All-rounder |
| Richard Gleeson | Bowler |
| Ottniel Baartman | Bowler |
| Eathan Bosch | Bowler |
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report
St George’s Park offers a balanced surface that slightly favors fast bowlers. The ball comes onto the bat nicely in the early overs, allowing batters to play their strokes. Spinners may struggle, relying on variations for success. A first-innings score of 170+ will be competitive, with the average score being 143.
Weather Conditions
Overcast skies in Gqeberha may make conditions tricky for batting early in the game. Bowlers, especially pacers, are expected to exploit the conditions with the new ball. The temperature will range between 19°C and 24°C, with no rain expected.
Toss Prediction
Teams chasing have found success here, winning four of the last six games. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first.
Winning Prediction
The Pretoria Capitals are under immense pressure, needing a win to keep their campaign alive. However, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape are in fine form, with their bowlers and middle-order batters performing consistently. Given their momentum and all-round strength, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape are favorites to win this match.
Prediction: Sunrisers Eastern Cape to win.
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