Sunrisers Eastern Cape Playing 11, Player Availability for 1st Match, Top Fantasy Cricket Picks for SA20 2024

Gqeberha’s T20 franchise, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, backed by the Sun Group, owners of the prestigious Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, is geared up for an exhilarating presence in the SA20 2024.

In the previous season, the Cape secured an impressive third position, securing four wins and encountering five losses in the league-stage matches. Their resilience propelled them to a triumphant journey, culminating in an inaugural SA20 championship title. They clinched victory by four wickets against Pretoria Capitals in the final, following a compelling semi-final win against Joburg Super Kings.

Captain Aiden Markram, a standout performer with the third-highest run tally (366) and 11 crucial wickets, was rightly honored as the Player of the Series. Roelof van der Merwe emerged as the leading wicket-taker for the Cape team.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape Playing 11

1. Adam Rossington
2. Temba Bavuma
3. Aiden Markram
4. Tristan Stubbs
5. Sarel Erwe
6. Marco Jansen
7. Liam Dawson
8. Simon Harmer
9. Sisanda Magala
10. Ottniel Baartman
11. Brydon Carse/Craig Overton

Under Markram’s astute leadership, the team boasts a formidable batting lineup. Adam Rossington and Temba Bavuma are likely to continue their partnership at the top order. Dawid Malan, England’s ODI World Cup top scorer, is expected to continue his fine form in the T20 format. The middle order will find strength in wicketkeeper-batter Tristan Stubbs and the promising uncapped talent, Sarel Erwe.

The Cape flaunts a talented cadre of all-rounders, with the likes of Marco Jansen, seasoned campaigner Liam Dawson, and Tom Abell adding depth and versatility to the squad.

In the bowling department, medium pacer Sisanda Magala, a prominent wicket-taker for the Cape in the previous edition, will bolster the attack led by Jansen. Complementing this lineup are domestic stalwarts Simon Harmer and Ottniel Baartman, alongside England’s Brydon Carse and Craig Overton, fortifying the team’s bowling prowess.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape is set to commence their SA20 campaign against Joburg Super Kings on Wednesday, January 10, at their home ground, the revered St. George’s Park in Gqeberha. Anticipation runs high as they embark on their quest for another glorious season in South African T20 cricket.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape Squad

Aiden Markram (c), Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, Jordan Hermann, Sarel Erwee, Adam Rossington, Tom Abell, Dawid Malan, Ottniel Baartman, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Simon Harmer, Craig Overton, Ayabulela Gqamane, Caleb Seleka, Beyers Swanepoel, Andile Simelane