the road to SA20 2025-26 the final starts today Kingsmead, Durbanas a double champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) experiencing revival Pretoria Capitals (PC). A direct ticket to the final at Newlands is at stake; the loser will have to navigate Qualifier 2 to keep their title hopes alive.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape SA20 has been the gold standard. tabletop with 28 points, Tristan StubbsThe men combined clinical efficiency with big-game temperament. They go into this clash having dominated the Capitals in both league meetings this season, including a brutal 10-wicket win at the start of January.
Pretoria CapitalsLed by Keshav Maharaj, they finished second with 24 points after a surge at the end of the season. They come to Durban with four wins in their last five games and are finally finding the balance that eluded them early on. Although they lost both their league games to the Sunrisers, the Capitals’ bowling attack has been the most disciplined in the tournament in recent times, saving two of their lowest totals this season.
SEC vs PC, SA20 2025-26 Qualifier 1: Match details
- Date and Time: January 21 (Wednesday); 21:00 IST / 15:30 GMT / 17:30 Local
- Location: Kingsmead, Durban
SEC vs PC Head to Head Record in SA20 2025-26:
Matches played: 9 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape won: 5 | Pretoria Capitals won: 4| No Results/Closed: 0
Kingsmead Pitch Report
For this Qualifier 1, the Kingsmead, Durban venue is expected to be an excellent sports track with a marked change in behavior for the 2025-26 season. Historically, the mamba green favored sailors with sharp bounces and beach swings, the surface has become significantly more prone in 2026, with the average first shot score rising to around 195. However, high humidity and evening lights will provide early assistance to the pacers. While big scores are possible, the tide effect often remains a contributing factor to late-innings movement.
Groups
Pretoria Capitals: Will Smeed, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Shai Hope, Dewald Brevis, Roston Chase, Andre Russell, Bryce Parsons, Jody Yusuf, Gideon Peters, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lungi Ngidi, Tymal Mills, Lizaad Williams, Sibonelo Makhanya, Wihan Lubbe, Keith Dudgeon, Junaid Dawood, Sherfane Rutherford, Jordan Cox, Daniel Smith, Mika eel Prince
Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs (c), Lewis Gregory, Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, Patrick Kruger, Senuran Muthusamy, Adam Milne, Anrich Nortje, Chris Wood, Allah Ghazanfar, JP King, Christophermann King, Jordaneurnkeell, Jordankeell, M. James Coles, Beyers Swanepoel, Lutho Sipamla
Also WATCH: Ottneil Baartman hat-trick seals Paarl Royals place in SA20 2026 Play-offs
SEC vs PC, SA20 2025-26 Qualifier 1: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape tops the toss
- Pretoria Capitals power play score: 45-55 (6 overs)
- Pretoria Capitals Total Score: 155-165
Case 2:
- Pretoria Capitals go first in the shootout
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape Power Play Score: 55-65 (6 Overs)
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape Total Score: 170-180
Match result: The first bowling team to win the competition
Also READ: Sunrisers Eastern Cape skittle Paarl Royals SA20’s lowest ever total in a one-sided win
