The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been crowned champions of the inaugural SA20 after beating Pretoria Capitals in the final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Gqeberha-based team cruised to a comfortable four-wicket victory over the Pretoria Capitals at a sold-out Wanderers on Sunday thanks to some excellent bowling by spinner Roelof van Merwe, who claimed 4\/31.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The final was moved to the reserve day after a waterlogged field and inclement weather forced it to be postponed. But that did nothing to dim the excitement with the Bullring creating a fabulous atmosphere. And the Sunrisers Eastern Cape did not disappoint by delivering a brilliant bowling performance by bowling the Capitals out for just 135.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The ever-green Roelof van Merwe led their bowling efforts. The 38-year-old delivered an excellent spell with the left-arm spinner picking up 4\/31. Van der Merwe was ably supported by Sisanda Magala (2\/30) and Ottniel Baartman (2\/22).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Sunrisers' reply did not get off to the best of starts with Temba Bavuma departing in the second over to Eathan Bosch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Aiden Markram's team, however, were soon back on track with Adam Rossington counter-attacking through a 30-ball 57. Rossington tore into the Capitals' attack and ensured the chase was never going to be tricky.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anrich Nortje bowled his heart out for the Capitals in a bid to haul his team back into the game, but ultimately his 2\/21 was not going to be enough.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Marco Jansen delivered the killer blow for the Sunrisers with his six over long-off, setting off the celebrations from Johannesburg to Gqeberha.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Brief scores:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pretoria Capitals 135 all out in 19.3 overs (Kusal Mendis 21; Roelof van der Merwe 4-31, Sisanda Magala 2-30, Ottniel Baartman 2-22) lost to Sunrisers Eastern Cape 137\/6 in 16.3 overs (Adam Rossington 57, Aiden Markram 26; Adil Rashid 1-12) by 4 wickets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Full list of SA Award Winners:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
SA20 Champions: Sunrisers Eastern Cape<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Runners-up: Pretoria Capitals<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Spirit of the Season: Sunrisers Eastern Cape<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rising Star: Eathan Bosch (Pretoria Capitals)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Batter of the Season: Jos Buttler (Paarl Royals)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bowler of the Season: Roelof van der Merwe (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Batter of the Season: Jos Buttler (Paarl Royals)<\/p>\r\n\r\n