Potgieter Hits 5/10 as MICT Beat Sunrisers on Debut

The opening night of SA20 2025 witnessed a stellar performance from MI Cape Town (MICT) as they dismantled the two-time defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, by a staggering 97 runs.

Held at Gqebera, the match showcased individual brilliance and team dominance, setting the stage for an exciting tournament, as reported by bpexch.

Delano Potgieter Steals the Show

The star of the night was undoubtedly Delano Potgieter, who delivered a phenomenal all-round performance. Potgieter’s fiery spell of 5 for 10 annihilated the Sunrisers' batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 77 runs.

His contribution wasn’t limited to the ball; earlier, he smashed an unbeaten 25 off just 12 balls, providing MI Cape Town with a crucial late flourish that propelled them to a competitive total of 174 on a challenging pitch.

MI Cape Town’s Innings: A Rocky Start and a Resilient Recovery

Being asked to bat first, MICT didn’t have the ideal start, losing Reeza Hendricks on the fourth ball of the match. The early loss set a cautious tone, and they crawled to 36 for two by the end of the PowerPlay. When Richard Gleeson and Liam Dawson struck quickly, things looked bleaker, reducing MICT to 42 for 3.

Brevis and Ingram Build a Revival

Dewald Brevis, known for his attacking flair, turned the momentum with an electrifying knock. Partnering with veteran Colin Ingram, Brevis launched a counterattack, hitting six massive sixes in his 29-ball 57. The 67-run stand between the young dynamo and the experienced campaigner laid the foundation for a respectable total.

Potgieter’s Late-Order Heroics

After Brevis fell, MICT lost a few more wickets, but Potgieter stepped up alongside George Linde (23*). Their 42-run partnership off just 21 balls in the death overs gave MI Cape Town’s innings the finishing kick it needed, helping them reach 174/7 in 20 overs.

Sunrisers’ Chase: Boult’s Early Strikes Set the Tone

Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s chase never really took off. PowerPlay maestro Trent Boult delivered a double-wicket maiden in his second over, dismissing England’s Zak Crawley and Tom Abell. Moments later, Azmatullah Omarzai sent back Jordan Hermann, leaving Sunrisers reeling at 16 for 3.

Potgieter’s Magical Spell

When Potgieter was introduced into the attack in the second half of the innings, Sunrisers were already in dire straits at 49 for four after 10 overs.

Potgieter made an immediate impact, starting with a stunning yorker to dismiss Beyers Swanepoel's first ball. In a single over, he claimed the prized wickets of David Bedingham and Aiden Markram, leaving Sunrisers in tatters.

A Dominant Finish

Potgieter didn’t stop there. He dismissed Liam Dawson before wrapping up the innings by clean-bowling Richard Gleeson with his 18th delivery. Sunrisers Eastern Cape folded for just 77 runs in 15 overs, with Potgieter’s five-wicket haul sealing their fate.

Match Highlights

• Key Performances:

• MI Cape Town:

• Dewald Brevis: 57 off 29 balls (6 sixes)

• Delano Potgieter: 25* off 12 balls, 5/10 in 3 overs

• Trent Boult: 2/16 in 4 overs

• Sunrisers Eastern Cape:

• Richard Gleeson: 2/22 in 4 overs

• Result: MI Cape Town won by 97 runs (bonus-point victory).

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A Statement Win for MI Cape Town

MI Cape Town’s comprehensive win against the defending champions is a strong statement of intent for the tournament. Delano Potgieter’s brilliance and the team’s cohesive effort have made their early favourites. As the SA20 2025 unfolds, the pressure will be on other teams to match this level of performance.