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As the cricketing fervour takes centre stage in the SA20 2024 landscape, Sunrisers Eastern Cape come into the spotlight as the defending champions, having clinched the inaugural title by a spectacular display of skill and determination in 2023. Under the astute leadership of Aiden Markram, the team is set to embark on a new season, eyes firmly fixed on replicating their previous success.
Notably, Sisada Mangala and Craig Overton have been ruled out of the season due to injuries and batting all-rounder Patrick Kruger has been roped into the camp to replace Mangala. Here is the probable best-playing XI poised to continue their winning legacy.
Thumping opening duo:
The foundation of any successful T20 campaign often rests on a dynamic opening partnership, and Sunrisers boasts a formidable one in the right-left combination of Dawid Malan and Temba Bavuma. Malan’s explosive strokeplay and Bavuma’s ability to anchor the innings provide the team with a well-balanced start, capable of setting the stage for a commanding total.
Star-studded middle order
Markram, the hard hitter Tristian Stubbs and the prolific Adam Rossington reinforce the backbone of the batting lineup. Markram’s leadership skills and all-round prowess make him a vital asset. At the same time, Stubbs and Rossington add the necessary firepower to elevate the team’s run rate during crucial phases of the game.
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Capable all-rounders
Sunrisers have a trio of all-rounders who can change the course of a match with both bat and ball. Marco Jansen, Beyers Swanepoel and Liam Dawson bring a perfect blend of power-hitting and bowling prowess to the table, offering their side multiple options to adapt to different match situations.
Relentless bowling power
The bowling department will likely be led by the pace duo of Ottinel Baartman and Simon Harmer. Their ability to generate pace and extract bounce makes them formidable opponents for any batting lineup. Caleb Seleka adds a spin dimension to the attack, complemented by the dual-spin options in Markram and Dawson. This diverse bowling arsenal allows Sunrisers to exploit opposition weaknesses across different conditions.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s full squad for SA20 2024
Aiden Markram (c), Dawid Malan, Ottneil Baartman, Adam Rossington (wk), Brydon Carse, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Tom Abell, Andile Simelane, Aya Gqamane, Liam Dawson, Jordan Hermann, Sarel Erwee, Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs (wk), Caleb Seleka, Beyers Swanepoel, Patrick Kruger.