Cricket
Maharaj backs Capitals’ character ahead of Kingsmead showdown─── MORGAN PIEK 12:10 Wed, 21 Jan 2026
The first finalists of the SA20 will be confirmed on Wednesday evening when the Sunrisers Eastern Cape lock horns with the Pretoria Capitals in Durban.
The winner of Wednesday’s blockbuster will book a direct ticket to Sunday’s final in Cape Town, while the loser will get a second bite at the cherry in Qualifier 2. There, they will face the winner of the Eliminator between the Paarl Royals and the Joburg Super Kings, which takes place in Pretoria on Thursday.
The Sunrisers are the defending, two-time champions and finished top of the log, while the second-placed Capitals have undoubtedly been the surprise package of this year’s competition.
The captains: Keshav Maharaj of the Pretoria Capitals and Tristan Stubbs of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Photo: Cricinfo
In the two previous meetings between the sides this season, the Sunrisers have had the upper hand on both occasions. In December, they claimed a convincing 48-run victory at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
Just 16 days ago, they were even more ruthless, thrashing the Capitals by 10 wickets at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Quinton de Kock, who is playing for the Sunrisers in the second-leading run-scorer in the competition with 328 runs in 8 innings at an average of 46.85. Sherfane Rutherford of the West Indies, who is representing the Capitals with 317 runs in 8 innings at an average of 79.25 is third on the list.
Sunrisers face bowler, Anrich Nortjé, has taken the second most wickets with 14 in 8 innings at an average of 14.35. Keshav Maharaj is the Capitals’ best bowler with 9 wickets in 9 innings at an average of 24.55.
Despite that, Capitals captain and Proteas spinner Maharaj believes his side has what it takes to reach the final.
“Character has been the big thing,” said Maharaj. “I think we’ve shown in a lot of games that when we’ve been down and out, the guys have stepped up more often than not, and that speaks to our character.
Quinton de Kock. Photo: Cricinfo
“I’d say character is the one aspect that defines us as a team right now. It’s been the saving grace for us, and I want that character to keep shining through.
“At the same time, when someone is in a position to win the game single-handedly, they have to stand up and be the man of the match. “We’ve got plenty of match-winners in this team, and when one or two of them make it count on their day, we know just how dangerous we can be as a unit.”
Wednesday night’s Qualifier 1 at Kingsmead gets underway at 17:30.
