IPL 2026 Top 5’Stars’ Who Shined in SA20,ft: Brevis

IPL 2026

SA20 2025-26 Final: Sunrisers Eastern Cape Claim Third Title

Tournament Concludes with Thrilling Final

The SA20 2025-26 concluded with an exciting championship match recently. Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) emerged victorious in the finale. They defeated Pretoria Capitals (PC) in the summit clash. Moreover, the final was played on Sunday, January 25 specifically. Additionally, Sunday, January 25 at Newlands Stadium was when the final was played. The venue was Newlands Stadium in Cape Town beautifully. Furthermore, the match at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town was witnessed by a packed crowd.

Capitals’ Batting Struggles Despite Brevis Brilliance

Previously, put into bat, the Capitals faced pressure immediately. They struggled to build momentum throughout their innings. Eventually, they managed 158/7 in their 20 overs only. The total appeared below par on a decent batting surface.

However, one player stood out brilliantly for the Capitals. Dewald Brevis was the lone standout in the lineup. He played a magnificent innings under pressure courageously. Specifically, he was scoring a blistering hundred remarkably today. His knock consisted of 101 off 56 balls impressively. Moreover, the innings included eight fours beautifully timed throughout. Additionally, he smashed seven sixes over the boundary powerfully. His century kept Capitals’ hopes alive in the final.

Eastern Cape’s Rocky Start

Subsequently, in response, Eastern Cape got into early trouble. They faced immediate challenges chasing the target nervously. The team was losing four wickets for just 48 runs. This happened for just 48 runs alarmingly early. The situation looked dire for the defending champions. Collapse seemed imminent at that critical stage.

Match-Winning Partnership Seals Victory

Nevertheless, however, skipper Tristan Stubbs held firm under pressure. He refused to panic despite the situation. Additionally, Matthew Breetzke joined him at the crease. Together, they stitched together an unbeaten partnership brilliantly. The crucial stand was of 114 off 64 balls. Their partnership changed the game completely and decisively.

Moreover, Stubbs remained unbeaten on 63 off 41 balls. The captain led from the front with his bat. Specifically, he was hitting two fours during his innings. Furthermore, he smashed four sixes over the boundary too. His composure under pressure proved invaluable for the team.

Similarly, Breetzke finished not out on 68 off 49 balls. He provided perfect support to his captain throughout. His innings featured five fours beautifully placed around. Additionally, he hit two sixes in his knock. The partnership between both batsmen proved unstoppable for Capitals.

Championship Secured Comfortably

Consequently, Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the game by six wickets. The victory came with four balls to spare comfortably. They crossed the finish line without further damage. Moreover, they were securing their third title in the process. This achievement came in four seasons remarkably for SEC. The franchise establishes itself as SA20’s dominant force.

IPL Stars Shine in SA20

Finally, with the tournament over, attention shifts to individual performances. We look at five IPL 2026 stars next. These players also starred in the fourth edition prominently. Their performances in SA20 have boosted confidence ahead. The IPL 2026 auction picks showcased their abilities. Their form bodes well for the upcoming IPL season.

Indeed, Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s third SA20 title in four seasons, secured through Tristan Stubbs and Matthew Breetzke’s match-winning 114-run partnership that overcame a collapse to 48/4 while chasing Dewald Brevis’s brilliant century, sets the stage for examining five IPL 2026 stars who impressed in the South African tournament.

#1 Aiden Markram

Captaincy Role and Team Performance

First, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) opener Aiden Markram took on leadership responsibilities. He captained Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 2025-26 tournament. The South African batsman led his franchise throughout the season. His leadership was tested across all matches consistently.

However, the team did not have the best season unfortunately. They struggled with consistency throughout the tournament disappointingly. Eventually, they were finishing fifth with 19 points accumulated. This came from 10 matches played in total overall. The playoff spot eluded them despite some strong performances. The team’s results disappointed fans and management alike.

Impressive Individual Statistics

Nevertheless, on an individual level, Markram had a solid campaign. His personal performances stood out despite team struggles. The opener delivered consistently with the bat throughout. He showed class and composure in difficult situations.

Specifically, he played in nine matches during the tournament. His involvement was significant for Durban’s Super Giants. Moreover, he was scoring 309 runs in seven innings. He accumulated runs in seven innings effectively and consistently. Furthermore, he maintained an average of 44.14 throughout. His average reflects consistent contributions to the team. Additionally, he scored at a strike rate of 152.97 impressively. His aggressive intent helped set up strong totals regularly.

Milestone Innings Highlight Campaign

Moreover, his tally included one fifty scored during the season. The half-century showcased his ability to build innings. Additionally, he scored one century as well remarkably. The hundred represented his best performance of the tournament. Specifically, his highest score was 108 off 58 balls. This incredible knock came against Paarl Royals in a league match. The century featured aggressive stroke-play throughout the innings. His boundaries came at regular intervals during the knock.

Indeed, despite Durban’s Super Giants finishing fifth in SA20 2025-26, Aiden Markram’s individual brilliance with 309 runs at an average of 44.14 and strike rate of 152.97, including a magnificent 108 off 58 balls against Paarl Royals, demonstrates the strong form he brings to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026.

#2 Anrich Nortje

IPL 2026 Franchise and Auction Details

Second, South African pacer Anrich Nortje will represent a new franchise. He will play for Lucknow Super Giants in the 2026 IPL. The fast bowler joins LSG for the upcoming season. Moreover, he was bought for ₹2 crore at the auction. The franchise secured his services during the bidding process. LSG acquired him at a reasonable price considering his abilities.

SA20 Championship Success

Previously, in the SA20 2025-26, Nortje enjoyed tremendous success. He was part of the title-winning Sunrisers Eastern Cape side. The pacer played a crucial role in their championship triumph. His bowling proved instrumental throughout the tournament consistently. The team relied heavily on his wicket-taking ability.

Outstanding Individual Bowling Statistics

Furthermore, the 32-year-old finished as the second-highest wicket-taker impressively. He topped the bowling charts for most of the season. Specifically, he was claiming 18 wickets in 11 matches. He picked up wickets regularly throughout the competition. His consistency made him a feared bowler among batsmen.

Moreover, he achieved this at an average of 15.77 economically. His wickets came cheaply for the team always. Additionally, he maintained a strike rate of 13.50 remarkably. He struck every 13.5 balls on average effectively. Furthermore, he bowled at an economy of 7.01 tightly. His control restricted run-scoring opportunities for opposition batsmen.

Best Bowling Performance

Finally, his best figures of 4/13 came in a crucial match. The four-wicket haul showcased his match-winning ability clearly. These figures demonstrated his quality in pressure situations. The performance helped Eastern Cape secure an important victory.

Indeed, Anrich Nortje’s outstanding SA20 2025-26 performance as the second-highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets at an average of 15.77 and best figures of 4/13, culminating in a championship with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, makes him an exciting prospect for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 following his ₹2 crore acquisition at the auction.

#3 Dewald Brevis

Player Background and Team Affiliation

Third, young Proteas batter Dewald Brevis impressed everyone this season. Additionally, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) middle-order player showcased his talent. He represents CSK in the IPL currently with promise. Moreover, Brevis was part of the Pretoria Capitals franchise. He played for them in the SA20 2025-26 tournament. Notably, they finished as runners-up in the SA20 2025-26 narrowly. The team reached the final but fell short ultimately.

Outstanding Run-Scoring Performance

Furthermore, the right-handed batter emerged as a standout performer. He became the second-highest run-scorer of the season impressively. His consistency with the bat proved invaluable for Capitals. Only one player scored more runs than him.

Specifically, he played in 12 matches during the tournament. His participation was crucial throughout the competition consistently. Moreover, he was scoring 370 runs in 11 innings. He accumulated runs in 11 innings effectively and prolifically. Furthermore, he maintained an average of 41.11 throughout. His average reflects his ability to convert starts. Additionally, he scored at a strike rate of 156.11 explosively. His aggressive approach kept scoreboard pressure on opponents.

Milestone Innings and Final Heroics

Moreover, his tally included two fifties during the season. The half-centuries demonstrated his consistency with the bat. Additionally, he scored a century as well remarkably. The hundred showcased his ability to play big innings. Notably, the century came in the losing cause unfortunately. This happened during the final against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Despite his brilliant 101 off 56 balls, Capitals lost. His heroic effort wasn’t enough to secure the title.

Indeed, Dewald Brevis’s exceptional SA20 2025-26 campaign as the second-highest run-scorer with 370 runs at an average of 41.11 and strike rate of 156.11, highlighted by a magnificent century in the final despite Pretoria Capitals’ defeat, demonstrates the explosive batting form he brings to Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026.

#4 Sherfane Rutherford

Impressive SA20 Performance

Fourth, West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford also shone brightly this season. He delivered exceptional performances in the SA20 2025-26 consistently. His batting proved crucial for his franchise throughout. The Caribbean power-hitter made a significant impact on the tournament.

Moreover, representing the Pretoria Capitals, he excelled with the bat. He played for them alongside Dewald Brevis in the lineup. Specifically, the left-hander played 11 matches during the season. His presence strengthened Capitals’ middle order significantly and effectively.

Furthermore, he was scoring 334 runs in 10 innings. He accumulated runs in 10 innings consistently and prolifically. Additionally, he maintained an average of 66.80 remarkably throughout. His average ranks among the best in the tournament. Most impressively, he scored at a strike rate of 165.34 explosively. His aggressive batting accelerated run-scoring for the team. Moreover, his tally included two fifties during the campaign. The half-centuries showcased his ability to finish innings powerfully.

IPL 2026 Franchise Switch

Meanwhile, in the IPL 2026, Rutherford will be seen elsewhere. He will play in action for five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI). The most successful IPL franchise signed him for next season. MI secured his services for their title defense campaign.

Previously, in the 2025 season, he was with Gujarat Titans (GT). He represented the Ahmedabad-based franchise last year initially. However, circumstances changed before the auction dramatically and unexpectedly. Specifically, he was traded to MI ahead of time. The trade happened ahead of the 2026 auction specifically. Mumbai Indians acquired him through the pre-auction trading window. The move reunites him with a championship-winning franchise.

Indeed, Sherfane Rutherford’s outstanding SA20 2025-26 statistics—334 runs at an average of 66.80 and strike rate of 165.34 with two fifties for Pretoria Capitals—combined with his trade from Gujarat Titans to five-time champions Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, positions him as a valuable middle-order power-hitter for MI’s upcoming campaign.

#5 Marco Jansen

Player Profile and Championship Success

Finally, the final player on the list is a South African all-rounder. He represents South Africa and Punjab Kings (PBKS) professionally. Specifically, the player is all-rounder Marco Jansen impressively. The 25-year-old possesses immense talent with both bat and ball.

Moreover, he was part of Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s campaign this season. His contributions proved vital for the team’s success consistently. Specifically, he played for their title-winning campaign in the SA20 2025-26. The franchise enjoyed tremendous success this year again. Consequently, they lifted their third trophy in franchise history. This happened as they lifted their third trophy remarkably. The championship cemented their dominance in SA20 cricket.

Impressive Bowling Statistics

Furthermore, Jansen featured in 12 matches during the tournament. His participation was crucial throughout the competition consistently. Specifically, he was picking up 13 wickets in 11 innings. He picked up wickets in 11 innings regularly and effectively. Moreover, he achieved this at an average of 20.07 economically. His wickets came at a reasonable cost for the team.

Additionally, he maintained a strike rate of 18.53 consistently. He struck every 18.53 balls on average throughout. Furthermore, he bowled at an impressive economy of 6.49 tightly. His control restricted scoring opportunities for opposition batsmen significantly. The economy rate ranks among the best in the tournament.

Match-Winning Final Performance

Notably, his best figures of 3/10 came at the perfect time. The three-wicket haul arrived in the final against Pretoria Capitals. His performance came against Pretoria Capitals in the championship match. This crucial spell helped secure the title for Eastern Cape. The final wickets proved decisive in the championship victory.

Valuable Batting Contributions

Additionally, he also chipped in with the bat valuably. His lower-order contributions boosted team totals regularly throughout. Specifically, he was scoring 77 runs in six innings. He scored runs in six innings effectively when needed. Moreover, he achieved this at a strike rate of 140.00 aggressively. His quick-scoring ability provided late acceleration for the team. The all-round contributions made him invaluable to Eastern Cape’s success.

Indeed, Marco Jansen’s outstanding all-round SA20 2025-26 performance—13 wickets at an economy of 6.49 with best figures of 3/10 in the final, plus 77 runs at a strike rate of 140.00—as part of Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s third championship triumph demonstrates the quality he brings to Punjab Kings for IPL 2026.