Kagiso Rabada inspires MI Cape Town to SA20 championship title

MI Cape Town clinches maiden SA20 title! Kagiso Rabada’s fiery 4/25 and a stunning diving catch seal the deal, as MI Cape Town triumphs over Sunrisers Eastern Cape in a thrilling final.

By Byron Lukas

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, MI Cape Town clinched their maiden Betway SA20 championship title, thanks in large part to an inspired performance by spearhead Kagiso Rabada.

The fast bowler dazzled in front of a sold-out Wanderers crowd on Saturday evening, claiming figures of 4/25 as he dismantled the Sunrisers Eastern Cape for a mere 105 runs. This was in response to MI Cape Town’s formidable total of 181/8, the second-highest score in the competition’s final history.

Rabada’s match-winning impact

Rabada’s impact extended beyond the bowling crease; his brilliant diving catch at point to dismiss Sunrisers captain Aiden Markram proved crucial, marking a turning point in the match and bringing MI Cape Town closer to victory.

He was ably assisted by his new-ball partner, Trent Boult, whose tight bowling figures of 2/9 complemented the efforts of the spin twins, George Linde (2/20) and Rashid Khan (1/19).

“Absolutely, the way we played throughout the tournament was brilliant,” said MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan.

“We had a couple of tough seasons, and now winning is special. It’s about how everyone responded under pressure. I think they deserve this. I feel we haven’t played any selfish innings. Whether it’s 10 or 15 runs, they have contributed. Whoever came in played their natural game, and it was very special to see.

“Great to have such a bowling line-up – KG, Boulty, Bosch, and George. It gives me the advantage. A special occasion to be part of this MI family.”

Setting the tone early

MI Cape Town set the tone early after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, with Ryan Rickelton smashing a blistering 33 off just 15 balls, propelling his team to 51 runs within the first five overs.

However, he was dismissed shortly thereafter, deceived by a slower ball from Craig Overton, as MI Cape Town finished the Powerplay with a score of 52/2 – the highest total conceded by Sunrisers Eastern Cape during the competition’s six-over mark.

Rickelton not only set a fiery pace but also surpassed Durban’s Super Giants’ Heinrich Klaasen as the leading run-scorer in Betway SA20 history, amassing 1,012 runs across three competitions. Despite losing further wickets, including Rassie van der Dussen (23 off 25 balls), MI Cape Town found stability in solid middle-order partnerships, with Dewald Brevis (38 off 18 balls) and Connor Esterhuizen (39 off 26 balls) contributing significantly to their competitive total.

Sunrisers’ struggles

Facing a daunting 181-run target, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape needed a spirited start, yet their batting woes continued as David Bedingham and Jordan Hermann both fell quickly, leaving the team reeling at just eight runs.

A recovery attempt led by George Abell and Tony de Zorzi, who forged a 57-run partnership for the third wicket, briefly lifted their hopes. However, with both falling in quick succession to Linde and Rashid respectively, the writing was on the wall as Sunrisers found themselves precariously placed at 68/4.

The momentum firmly swung in MI Cape Town’s favour when Markram was dismissed shortly after, sealing a fate that ended Sunrisers’ reign as two-time Betway SA20 champions.

“I think the biggest thing is we gelled as a team,” said MI Cape Town coach Robin Peterson. “They played with a smile and aggression and made a lot of friendships which will last a long time. I’m proud of them, especially Rashid. I’m just chuffed that we walk away with the trophy and the Spirit of Cricket award.”