Quinton de Kock gave another batting masterclass in the Sunrisers’ Eastern Cape’s 48-run bonus point win over Pretoria Capitals at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Monday evening. The Protea wicketkeeper hit 77 off just 47 balls, ably supported by Matthew Breetzke, who scored 52 off 33 balls.  

The Sunrisers’ other opener, Jonny Bairstow, was dismissed in the second over by Lungi Ngidi, enabling De Kock and Breetzke to come together to put 116 runs on the board off just 70 balls. This laid the platform for the in-form Jordan Hermann to add another 37 runs off 20 balls to take the Sunrisers to 188/6 in their 20 overs.

Marco Jansen required just six balls to strike the first blow when he removed Capitals opener Bryce Parsons. Photo: X

For the hosts, Marco Jansen required just six balls to strike the first blow when he removed Capitals opener Bryce Parsons. The Kiwi Express Adam Milne (4/25) was next in the act when he dismissed West Indian Shai Hope (36 off 19 balls) just as he threatened to build an innings of substance.

But the breakthrough was left to Lewis Gregory when the Sunrisers allrounder got rid of Dewald Brevis (12 off five balls) with Breetzke taking the comfortable catch. 

The Capitals’ innings disintegrated from thereon with Milne running through the visitors’ tail, while left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy delivered arguably the ball of the night to clean bowl a well-set Will Smeed (35 off 27 balls, 4x4, 1x6).

After the match, Milne said the atmosphere at St George’s Park, known for its iconic brass band, was amazing.

The victory propelled the Sunrisers to the top of the Betway SA20 table with 10 points, while the Capitals remain winless after two matches.

Later today, the Durban Super Giants will host the Joburg Super Kings at Kingsmead. 

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger mvh