Cricket

'Final didn’t fail to deliver' - Fans overjoyed as Sunrisers Eastern Cape become champions of inaugural edition of SA20

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the inaugural SA20 after defeating the Pretoria Capitals in the final. Here's how Twitter reacted.

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Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Sunrisers Eastern Cape (source: Twitter)

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the inaugural SA20 after defeating the Pretoria Capitals in the final. The Hyderabad-owned franchise defeated the Pretoria Capitals by four wickets at a sold-out Wanderers on Sunday, thanks to some excellent bowling by spinner Roelof van Merwe, who took 4/31.

The final was moved to the reserve day after being postponed due to a waterlogged field and inclement weather. But that didn't dampen the excitement, with the fans creating a fantastic atmosphere. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape did not disappoint with a brilliant bowling performance, dismissing the Capitals for just 135.

Their bowling efforts were led by veteran Roelof van Merwe. The left-arm spinner picked up 4/31 in an excellent spell from the 38-year-old. Sisanda Magala (2/30) and Ottniel Baartman (2/22) assisted Van der Merwe well to keep the Capitals at bay.

The Sunrisers' reply did not start well, with Temba Bavuma departing in the second over to Eathan Bosch. Aiden Markram's team, on the other hand, quickly got back on track, with Adam Rossington counter-attacking with a 30-ball 57. Rossington tore into the Capitals' attack, ensuring the chase would never be difficult.

Anrich Nortje bowled his heart out for the Capitals in an attempt to get his team back into the game, but his 2/21 was not enough. Marco Jansen eventually delivered the game-winning six over long-off for the Sunrisers, igniting celebrations in the Sunrisers' Eastern Cape dressing room.

The team's captain Aiden Markram was awarded the Player of the Tournament Award for his excellent all-rounded performance in the season. He scored 366 runs for his team an average of close to 34. He also delivered with the ball, taking 11 wickets in 12 appearances. While he was the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament, he ranked 11th on the wicket-takers list.

On the other hand, Roelof van der Merwe was awarded as the bowler of the tournament. The 38-year-old picked up 20 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 9.55. He became the tournament's highest wicket-taker thanks to his performance in the final.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Sunrisers Eastern Cape's win

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