SA20 2023, MI Cape Town vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Match 9 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape got the better of MI Cape Town by four wickets in the ninth match of the SA20 2023 at Gqeberha on Monday, January 16. With this win, they have succeeded in adding the first points to their tally, having lost their opening two games.

Meanwhile, the Sunrisers also succeeded in ending the Cape Town-based franchise’s winning momentum in the tournament. MI Cape Town looked strong on paper heading into this contest with wins over the Paarl Royals and the Joberg Super Kings. However, they ran out of fire and brimstone in the recently concluded fixture. Their batting failed to deliver yet again just like their forgettable performances against the Durban Super Giants.

MI Cape Town who had shown a great batting display in the last two matches looked ordinary in this game as they were restricted to a manageable total of 158/8. Although the Sunrisers were given a run for their money, they succeeded in getting the job done in the final over with four wickets to spare.

Talking Points from CT vs EAC,SA20 Match 9:

Skipper Aiden Markram stars with all-round performances:

While skipper Aiden Markram led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape exceptionally well from the front, he also showcased outstanding all-round performances with both the bat and the ball. He picked up the key wickets of Dewald Brevis and Sam Curran to finish with figures of 2/8. The South African sensation then made it count with the bat scoring a match-winning 35-ball 50 to bag a well-deserved Player of the Match award.

George Linde’s valiant half-century helps MI Cape Town post a respectable total

With the MI Cape Town losing wickets from one end, George Linde counter-attacked from the other end and scored a quickfire unbeaten 28-ball 63. His terrific half-century was the only positive take for MI Cape Town in what was otherwise a forgettable collective batting performance. Linde’s valiant knock helped his side post a respectable total of 158/8 on the board.

Losing captain, Rashid Khan said:

It was a close game, we were 15-20 short. But we fought well and overall it was a good performance especially the way we fought back with the ball. Still a few things to think about and next game we will comeback strong. Focus on what's coming next and everyone knows their role in the side and next game we have a home game and we will give our hundred percent.

Winning captain and POTM Aiden Markram said:

It's a big relief. Made a little tough for ourselves in the end. Wanted to be there at the end and get the job done, lot to learn and take away from this game personally. Credit to Stubbs for getting us towards the finishing line. I was a bit nervous in the end, but certainly pleased. The margin for error is quite small in this tournament and I thought 160 was a par score. More of the same and focus on areas we can improve on.

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