The defending champions were simply too strong for the Paarl Royals, cruising to a seven-wicket victory at a packed Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in Qualifier 2. The win booked the Sunrisers a spot in the final against the Pretoria Capitals. 

A  mouth-watering repeat of the tournament’s first-ever final in 2026, albeit at a different venue. After winning the toss, the Royals opted to bat first at the capacity Bullring, but their innings never really gained momentum. 

They struggled to 114/7 in their 20 overs, with wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne top-scoring with a gritty 52 not out off 46 balls.

Sikandar Raza. Photo: Cricinfo

The next best contribution came from Sikandar Raza, who laboured to 19 off 27 deliveries.

Former North West Dragons captain and experienced all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy starred with the ball for the Sunrisers, finishing with outstanding figures of 3/15 in his four overs, while speedster Anrich Nortje chipped in with 2/31.

In reply, the Sunrisers showed zero mercy. They made light work of the modest target, racing to victory in just 11.4 overs. James Coles led the charge with a blistering 45 not out off only 18 balls, while Quinton de Kock provided early fireworks with 25 off 12.

Spinner Bjorn Fortuin was the lone bright spot for the Royals’ bowling attack, claiming 2/26 in his four overs up front. Ottniel Baartman also made a brief impact, conceding just eleven runs in his lone over.

Speaking after the emphatic win, Coles admitted the performance was even more clinical than they had anticipated, and said the squad is buzzing to be back in the final.

“The game went better than expected, and I’m absolutely chuffed to get into the final. Bowling first helped because we could see exactly what the pitch was doing, so I just stuck to the plan and committed to it fully.”

James Coles. Photo: Cricinfo

Coles also had high praise for Proteas all-rounder Muthusamy, who continues to deliver when it matters most.

“He’s unbelievable to bowl behind, watching the way he goes about his business is seriously impressive.”

The Sunrisers now head to Cape Town, where they will face the Capitals on Friday at one of the most iconic stadiums in world cricket. The side from Gqeberha will be chasing a record-extending third SA20 title, while the Capitals are still hunting their maiden crown.

On Wednesday, the Capitals thumped the Sunrisers by seven wickets at Kingsmead in Durban during Qualifier 1 to advance straight into the final, and the team from the Eastern Cape will no doubt want to set the record straight.

Sunday’s final at Newlands, in the Southern Suburbs of the Mother City, is set to get underway at 15:30, and all the signs point to a blockbuster showdown.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg