Rabada stars as MI Cape Town win SA20 title

SA20 final, Johannesburg

MI Cape Town 181-8 (20 overs): Esterhuizen 39 (26), Brevis 38 (18); Gleeson 2-22

Sunrisers Eastern Cape 105 (18.4 overs): Abell 30 (25); Rabada 4-25, Boult 2-9

MI Cape Town won by 76 runs

Scorecard

Kagiso Rabada starred as MI Cape Town beat two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape to win their first SA20 title.

South Africa quick Rabada claimed 4-25 as Cape Town, who finished bottom in the first two editions of the tournament, won by 76 runs in Johannesburg.

He struck in his first over before coming back to wrap up the innings as Sunrisers, who won both of the previous editions, were bowled out for 105 in 18.4 overs.

Somerset’s Tom Abell top-scored with 30 while Rabada was supported by Trent Boult, who claimed 2-9.

Cape Town posted 181-8 in their 20 overs with Connor Esterhuizen making 39 off 26 balls and Dewald Brevis 38 off 18.

Former England bowler Richard Gleeson took 2-22 and Liam Dawson picked up 2-40.

Cape Town captain Rashid Khan said: “It feels amazing and unbelievable, especially after being at the bottom of the table in the last two years. So happy. I have no words.”

Rabada added: “I love playing in South Africa and this league means a lot, especially to the younger players coming through. The fans are loving the entertainment and the players are giving them that entertainment.”

Cape Town are owned by the India’s wealthiest family – the multi-billionaire Ambanis.

They own five-time Indian Premier League winners Mumbai Indians and the women’s side in the WPL.

They have also made a winning bid to purchase 49% of Oval Invincibles in The Hundred and are currently in an eight-week period of exclusivity to finalise the partnership.