Right then, that is it from this one-sided affair where Sunrisers Eastern Cape open their account for the season and go just one point behind Durban's Super Giants. We have a double header lined up in the SA 20 2025 on 18th January, Saturday. First, it will be a clash between Pretoria Capitals and Paarl Royals at 4.30 pm IST (11 am GMT), and then MI Cape Town take on Joburg Super Kings at 9 pm IST (3.30 pm GMT). But as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to both matches. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Aiden Markram, the victorious skipper of Sunrisers Eastern Cape says they they got off to a good start with the bat. Adds that the middle overs were tough, but they managed to get a few partnerships that pushed them to a good total. Credits his bowlers for their performance, as they were a bit worried about the strong opposition batting unit. Mentions that they felt they were always in the game, some good stuff with the bat and ball but a lot to still work on. Says that Tom Abell is a really good player of spin and he gives them stability at number 3. Further adds that as he and Tristan Stubbs haven't got going, promoting Marco Jansen was the plan and it worked out well as it was a crunch situation and they need a man in form. Ends by saying that he does not really like to play against Durban's Super Giants, as they are a quality side, but they will take any win that comes against them.

Noor Ahmad is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his incredible four-wicket haul albeit in a losing cause. He says that he is looking to contribute to the team to the best of his abilities and bowling wicket to wicket and that mostly gets the job done. Mentions that the communication with Keshav Maharaj is good. He tells him about wickets, conditions,, and batters and to keep it simple. Concludes by saying that he is obviously not happy with the result but they will look to come back stronger.

Keshav Maharaj, Durban's Super Giants captain, says that there were too many boundary balls and the fielding wasn’t good either but credit goes to Sunrisers as they have played it well. Adds that it is only a matter of time before they as a team will start clicking together but it also depends on the personal individual performances as they have to address it sooner and want to win. Mentions that it was a bit of tactical to bat QDK at number four as he can hold the inning if the wicket fell and can also finish it very well. Tells us that they are losing wickets in the middle overs and want to combat all types of bowling attacks. They want to find plans as per the bowlers and will go on and make their strategies on the drawing board. He thanks the crowd as they are coming in good numbers. Says that their team will win in the next matches so don’t lose hope and keep supporting the team.

Presentation Time...

Sunrisers Eastern Cape will be thrilled with their all-round bowling performance, which was brilliantly complemented by sharp fielding. From taking excellent catches to executing crucial run-outs, they kept the pressure on throughout. Skipper Aiden Markram led by example, setting the tone with a brilliant run-out. The decision to bring Liam Dawson into the XI proved to be a masterstroke, as he claimed two vital wickets. Richard Gleeson and Ottneil Baartman also delivered with two wickets each, while Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer chipped in with one apiece to cap off a superb victory.

Earlier in the game, Sunrisers Eastern Cape managed to post a competitive total, thanks to a determined half-century from Tom Abell, supported by valuable contributions from Zak Crawley and Marco Jansen. On the bowling front, Noor Ahmad shone brightly for Durban's Super Giants, picking up four wickets, while Naveen-ul-Haq provided good support with one scalp.

Durban's Super Giants began their chase on a promising note with a solid opening stand, but they failed to build any meaningful partnerships thereafter. Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, making the chase increasingly difficult. The turning point came with Bryce Parsons' run-out, which triggered a collapse. While Quinton de Kock and Wiaan Mulder tried to stabilize the innings, the mounting required run rate got the better of them. What followed was a dramatic downfall, as DSG crumbled from 94/5 to being all out for just 107, enduring a heavy defeat.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape have finally kickstarted their SA20 2025 campaign in style! After three tough losses, Aiden Markram and his team have bounced back brilliantly. This commanding performance not only secured their first win of the season but also earned them a crucial bonus point with a massive 58-run victory.

Naveen-ul-Haq is the last man in.

Noor Ahmad comes out to the middle now.

Is that a run out? Chris Woakes was struggling at the bowler's end and Liam Dawson has scored a direct hit. Woakes' body language does not look convincing here and the replay shows why that is the case. He is well short of his crease.

Keshav Maharaj walks out to bat now.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Durban's Super Giants need 68 runs in the last four overs and they are struggling here. Their best batter, Quinton de Kock, has just departed and Sunrisers Eastern Cape is clearly on top with that wicket. They have been fantastic with the ball and at all times kept the pressure on the batters. It is their game to lose now.