It is a showdown fitting of a final, with the two best teams of the tournament locking horns. The Sunrisers topped the log at the end of the round-robin phase, while the Capitals finished as runners-up, underlining their consistency across the competition.

The sides last crossed paths in Qualifier 1 at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday, where the Capitals produced a composed seven-wicket victory to book their place straight into the final. That result sent the Sunrisers down the tougher route, but the defending champions responded in emphatic fashion. They brushed aside the Paarl Royals by seven wickets in a one-sided Qualifier 2 at the Wanderers on Friday to earn yet another shot at the title.

Anrich Nortjé - Cricinfo

The team from Gqeberha are no strangers to the big occasion. They are two-time SA20 champions and, remarkably, have reached the final in every season since the tournament’s inception in 2023, making them the only side to feature in all four finals to date. It was also at the Wanderers in 2023 that the Sunrisers lifted the inaugural SA20 trophy, beating the Capitals by four wickets with 22 balls to spare.

But while history adds spice, Sunday’s decider is a very different contest. Only three players featured in that 2023 final - Anrich Nortjé, who then represented the Capitals, and Jordan Hermann and Tristan Stubbs for the Sunrisers. Experience counts, but sentiment will mean little once the first ball is bowled.

Capitals captain and Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj insists motivation will not be an issue for his side.

“I think an occasion of this magnitude, the guys naturally rally up,” Maharaj said.

“It’s just about staying fresh and having that energy and intensity on the field.

“Obviously we know the Sunrisers have been here four times, so it’s making sure that we match their energy or even raise it. The boys are ready to go, we’re putting the final touches in place and hopefully we hit the ground running.”

Sunrisers star Tristan Stubbs echoed the calm approach from the champions’ camp, stressing the importance of staying present over the next 40 overs.

Jordan Hermann - Cricinfo

“It’s a final, it’s going to be exciting. The boys will be up, there’s no question about it,” Stubbs said.

“But you can’t get too far ahead of yourselves. You play what’s in front of you and stay in the moment.

“We’ll prepare like we have for every game. In knockout cricket, if you’ve got a team under pressure, you try to keep your foot on the pedal and make it count.”

Sunday’s highly anticipated final at Newlands gets under way at 15:30, with silverware, bragging rights and SA20 glory on the line.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport