The Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape SA20 title clash resulted in a gripping match at the Newlands venue, where Sunrisers Eastern Cape ascended from a situation of potential implosion to triumph for their third SA20 title in four years.
The match-turning unbeaten 114-run fifth-wicket partnership between Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs guided Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a thrilling six-wicket triumph.
Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Brevis’ Heroics Go in Vain
Pretoria Capitals seemed to be in the game only due to a sensational century by Dewald Brevis, who seemed to bat single-handedly.
Pretoria Capitals Innings Summary
Dewald Brevis: 101 (standout performance)
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Support from the rest of the lineup: minimal
Marco Jansen: 4 wickets, restricting PC to 158
Despite Brevis’ exceptional talent, Pretoria Capitals failed to capitalize on that, scoring only 158 runs, which would later prove to be less.
Competitors’ Success Forces SEC to Act
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s run chase got off to a dismal begin. Reduced to 48/4 in the ninth over. Required run rate climbed to 14 runs an over by the 16th. Pretoria Capitals looked to have the final in complete control During this phase, it was quite obvious that Pretoria Capitals were ready to lift their first SA20 title by claiming victory.
Breetzke and Stubbs Turn the Final on Its Head
What followed was one of the most remarkable partnerships in SA20 history.
A Record-Breaking Fifth
Matthew Breetzke: Calm Aggression and Proper
Tristan Stubbs: Explosive finish and fearless strokeplay
Partnership: 114 runs* (highest partnership by the late SEC)
Breetzke started the fightback with a boundary off a shot to mid-off, but his ability to rotate strike well kept putting pressure on the bowlers. Stubbs then asserted himself with some inventive strokes, including reverse sweeps and properly cleaned-up sixes.
Decisive Final Overs Drama
The momentum changed drastically in the final stages:
14 runs off Lizaad Williams’ over reduced the target sharply
Gideon Peters surrendered 21 runs, one six off a free hit
Lungi Ngidi went for 12 in the final over
Stubbs sealed the win for his team by hitting back-to-back sixes with four balls left to spare.
The rabid calculation resulted in Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape recording probably the most dramatic final to date in the SA20 league.
Tristan Stubbs’ Redemption Knock
Stubbs’ innings saw special importance because:
- 63 runs*, his first T20 fifty in 51 innings
- First fifty since August 2024
- Occurred in an environment marked by struggles for form in 2025
- Enhanced his confidence after being included in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad
- His display with pressure showed once again that he is a winner.
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