Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Pretoria Capitals, Qualifier 1

As the SA20 2025-26 Qualifier 1 clash unfolds at Kingsmead on January 21, Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals prepare to battle for a place in the final. Both teams have showcased strong performances in the tournament leading up to this pivotal encounter. Sunrisers Eastern Cape, known for their aggressive batting lineup bolstered by in-form power hitters and steady finishers, have demonstrated consistent ability to post and chase challenging totals. Their recent form includes commanding wins with strategic use of spin bowlers, taking advantage of the subcontinental-style pitches. Pretoria Capitals, on the other hand, have impressed with a balanced squad featuring explosive top-order batsmen and disciplined death-over bowling units. Their fielding standards and ability to adapt in pressure situations have been noted as crucial strengths. Head-to-head encounters between these two have been closely contested, with Pretoria Capitals having a slight edge historically but Sunrisers Eastern Cape showing dominance at Kingsmead. Key players for Sunrisers include their star all-rounder who can change the game with bat and ball, while Pretoria Capitals rely heavily on their experienced captain’s tactical acumen and their leading pacer’s wicket-taking abilities. Strategically, Sunrisers may look to capitalize on the powerplay to set the tone, while Pretoria Capitals might aim for a steady buildup with intent to accelerate in the final overs using their death-over specialists. Overall, considering form, home advantage, and key personnel, Sunrisers Eastern Cape hold a slight advantage in this high-stakes qualifier.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 55%, Pretoria Capitals: 45%

If Sunrisers Eastern Cape bat first, expect them to post a competitive total around 165-175 runs, leveraging the power of their middle-order and exploiting favorable batting conditions at Kingsmead. Their propensity to build partnerships early will be key. Conversely, should Pretoria Capitals win the toss and choose to bat, a total in the range of 160-170 is likely, focusing on a steady start with aggressive hitting in the death overs. The pitch’s even nature allows both teams the opportunity to score freely, but boundary conversion in the middle overs could be decisive for setting or chasing a target.

Kingsmead pitch generally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball, favoring stroke-makers with good bounce and carry. Historically, the average first-innings score on this ground in the SA20 has hovered around 165 runs. Teams batting second have won approximately 52% of matches here in this tournament, indicating a slight edge for chasing sides given the usually clear weather conditions in January in Durban. Weather forecast for match day predicts clear skies with a mild breeze, ideal conditions for playing cricket. Best performances at Kingsmead among these teams include Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s leading batsman who once scored a 90-run knock off 55 balls, and Pretoria Capitals’ spearhead bowler who grabbed a 4-wicket haul conceding under 25 runs. These players hold key records reflecting their impact on the ground.

Matches Played	Sunrisers Eastern Cape Wins	Pretoria Capitals Wins
7	3	4

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
Sunrisers Eastern Cape	W W L W W
Pretoria Capitals	L W W L W

Sunrisers Eastern Cape:

Jason Smith has been pivotal with the bat, scoring 250+ runs this season at a strike rate above 140, showing excellent form at Kingsmead.

Liam Naidoo is an all-rounder who has contributed crucial wickets in middle overs, maintaining a sub-7 economy rate and adding late-innings hitting power.

Rohan Pillay anchors the innings with consistent 30+ scores, providing stability at the top order.

Pretoria Capitals:

David Mokoena leads the batting with 220+ runs this season, known for aggressive starts and smart running between wickets.

Thabo Nkosi is their strike bowler, capturing early wickets regularly with a career-best 4/22 at Kingsmead, crucial in powerplays.

Samuel Grobler adds depth with his all-round capabilities, delivering key breakthroughs and finishing innings with the bat efficiently.