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The excitement of the SA20 2025 season is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the clash between MI Cape Town and the defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape. As the first match unfolded at St George’s Park, cricket enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling display of talent, particularly from MI Cape Town’s new signing, Trent Boult. The Kiwi pacer made an immediate impact on his debut, delighting fans and setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating season.
MI Cape Town sets a formidable target for Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The atmosphere at St George’s Park was electric as both teams prepared for battle. Sunrisers Eastern Cape, led by captain Aiden Markram, won the toss and opted to bowl first. This decision initially seemed strategic; however, MI Cape Town had other plans. Dewald Brevis emerged as a standout performer for MI Cape Town, scoring a blistering 57 runs off just 29 balls, propelling his team to a competitive total of 174 runs after 20 overs. His innings provided a solid foundation for MI Cape Town, but it was Boult’s bowling that truly stole the spotlight.
Also READ: SA20 2025: A complete guide to Indian, Afghanistan and Sri Lankan players participating in the Season 3
Trent Boult strikes with a two-wicket maiden
Boult’s introduction to the bowling attack marked a pivotal moment in the match. In the third over of Sunrisers’ innings, Boult showcased his exceptional skill by taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries. First, he dismissed Zak Crawley with a delivery that rattled the stumps, leaving the batter stunned. The very next ball saw Boult take a brilliant reflex catch off his own bowling to send Tom Abell back to the pavilion. These early breakthroughs not only put Sunrisers on the back foot but also ignited the MI Cape Town supporters’ hopes for victory.
Boult’s ability to strike early is a testament to his experience and prowess as a fast bowler. Known for his left-arm pace and swing, he has been a formidable force in international cricket. His performance on debut not only delighted MI fans but also reassured the management who had invested ₹12.50 crore in him during the IPL auction.
Here’s the video:
Welcome to the #BetwaySA20 Trent 😉#SECvMICT #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/7SH8jqIHku
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 9, 2025
A promising start for MI Cape Town
With Boult’s early wickets creating pressure on Sunrisers Eastern Cape, MI Cape Town capitalized on this momentum throughout the innings. The combination of Boult and fellow pacer Kagiso Rabada proved lethal with a storm of Delano Potgieter, who picked up a five-wicket haul, as they consistently troubled the batters with their pace and precision. The Sunrisers struggled to build partnerships, ultimately falling short of the target set by a huge margin of 97 runs, getting bundled for a meagre 77 runs.
This match marked a significant turnaround for MI Cape Town, who had faced challenges in previous seasons. Coach Robin Peterson’s strategy of incorporating experienced players like Boult and Rabada appears to be paying off early in the tournament.
