Rabada Shines Bright as MI Cape Town Clinch Historic SA20 Championship

MI Cape Town secured their first SA20 title in a spectacular fashion, defeating the two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 76 runs. The final, held in Johannesburg, saw Kagiso Rabada deliver a masterclass in bowling, taking 4-25 to dismantle Sunrisers' batting lineup.

Key Performances:

• Kagiso Rabada: The South African quick was the star of the show, striking early and finishing with impressive figures of 4-25.
• Connor Esterhuizen: Contributed 39 runs off 26 balls, setting the foundation for Cape Town's total.
• Trent Boult: Supported Rabada with crucial wickets, taking 2-9.

Match Highlights:

• First Innings: MI Cape Town posted a competitive 181-8 in their 20 overs, with Dewald Brevis adding a quickfire 38 off 18 balls.
• Second Innings: Sunrisers Eastern Cape were bowled out for 105 in 18.4 overs, with Tom Abell being the only significant contributor with 30 runs.

Captains' Corner:

Rashid Khan, the victorious captain, expressed his joy: "It feels amazing and unbelievable, especially after being at the bottom of the table in the last two years. So happy. I have no words."

Rabada: shared his thoughts on the league's impact, "I love playing in South Africa, and this league means a lot, especially to the younger players coming through."

Franchise Power:

MI Cape Town, owned by India's wealthiest family, the Ambanis, also owns five-time Indian Premier League winners Mumbai Indians and the women's side in the Women's Premier League (WPL). They are also in the process of acquiring a significant stake in Oval Invincibles in The Hundred.