Cricket Highlights, Feb 06: SA20 2025 (2nd Qualifier) – PR vs SEC

PR vs SEC (2nd Qualifier) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling Qualifier 2 clash between PR and SEC in the SA20 league, held on February 6, 2025, at Centurion. With a spot in the final at stake, both teams delivered a high-intensity performance. The Royals set a competitive target of 175/4, but Sunrisers Eastern Cape showcased their batting dominance, successfully chasing 176 with four balls to spare, securing a commanding 8-wicket victory and a place in the final.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first PR posted a respectable 175/4 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who played a fluent knock of 59 off 41 balls, striking eight fours and a six. However, his opening partner, Mitchell Owen, fell cheaply for a three-ball duck to Marco Jansen in the second over, leaving the Royals under early pressure.

Despite the early setback, Rubin Hermann played the defining innings of the Royals’ campaign, smashing an unbeaten 81 off 53 balls, with eight fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 152.83. His well-paced knock ensured that the Royals maintained momentum through the middle overs, despite losing their experienced captain David Miller for 6 (9) and veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik for 2 (3) in quick succession.

The late acceleration was provided by Andile Phehlukwayo, who blasted 22 off 11 balls, including two sixes, helping the Royals push past the 170-run mark. Extras contributed 5 runs, with 3 wides in the innings.

For SEC, the bowling attack had mixed results. Craig Overton and Aiden Markram were the standout performers, both finishing with economical figures of 1/24 in 4 overs. Marco Jansen and Ottneil Baartman picked up a wicket each but were expensive, conceding 43 and 33 runs, respectively. Richard Gleeson struggled, conceding 41 runs in his four overs, while Liam Dawson bowled just three balls but went for 8 runs.

Chasing 176, Sunrisers Eastern Cape got off to a steady yet aggressive start, with Tony de Zorzi leading the charge. The left-hander played an authoritative knock of 78 off 49 balls, hitting 11 fours and 2 sixes, at an impressive strike rate of 159.18. However, they lost David Bedingham early for 9 (8), caught behind off Kwena Maphaka in the fourth over.

Despite the minor setback, Jordan Hermann ensured there were no further hiccups in the chase. He built a strong partnership with de Zorzi, adding 111 runs for the second wicket, which all but sealed the match. Hermann remained unbeaten on 69 off 48 balls, hitting four fours and four sixes, displaying an excellent balance of aggression and composure.

After de Zorzi fell in the 15th over with Sunrisers still needing 38 runs, skipper Aiden Markram played a supporting role, finishing on 11 off 12 balls, as the team reached the target in 19.2 overs at a scoring rate of 9.15 runs per over.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s composed chase, led by Tony de Zorzi and Jordan Hermann, ensured they cruised into the SA20 final with an 8-wicket win. Despite a fighting total from Paarl Royals, their bowling unit couldn’t contain Sunrisers’ in-form batters, setting up an exciting final showdown.

Paarl Royals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape Scoreboard

Paarl Royals– 175/4

Sunrisers Eastern Cape– 177/2(19.2/20)

Result – Eastern Cape won by 8 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Tony de Zorzi

PR vs SEC Playing Eleven

Paarl Royals

Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Mitchell Owen, Rubin Hermann, David Miller(C), Dinesh Karthik(WK), Andile Phehlukwayo, Dunith Wellalage, Dayyaan Galiem, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Jordan Hermann, Aiden Markram(C), Tom Abell, Tristan Stubbs(WK), Marco Jansen, Craig Overton, Liam Dawson, Ottneil Baartman, Richard Gleeson

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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Abit Leo

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