Overview:
Pretoria endured a difficult Monday evening, falling short in every department as SunRisers Eastern Cape put on a clinical show before a full house dressed in orange at St George’s Park, the oldest Test ground in South Africa.
Head coach Sourav Ganguly is already feeling the heat in his debut stint with Pretoria Capitals in the SA20. The Capitals have made a sluggish start to the season, suffering defeats in both their opening games and dropping to fifth place in the six-team table.
Following an opening-match loss to Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria struggled again in their second fixture, suffering a 48-run defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Eastern Cape at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Monday, December 29, a result that has heightened the urgency for a quick revival.
High hopes surrounded Sourav Ganguly’s appointment as head coach, given his prior experience in leadership roles with Delhi Capitals. He is backed by former Proteas all-rounder Shaun Pollock, who is part of the coaching setup as assistant coach.
Under the leadership of experienced skipper Keshav Maharaj, Pretoria Capitals will be keen to bounce back swiftly and ensure they do not miss out on a playoff spot for the third consecutive season.
Pretoria endured a difficult Monday evening, falling short in every department as SunRisers Eastern Cape put on a clinical show before a full house dressed in orange at St George’s Park, the oldest Test ground in South Africa.
Oh that winning feeling – The Orange Army certainly knows how to celebrate 👏👏#BetwaySA20 #SECvPC #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/9aBOmdvqxI
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) December 29, 2025
Sent in to bat, Sunrisers Eastern Cape were powered by a commanding innings from Quinton de Kock, who entertained the home fans with a fluent 77 off 47 balls, laced with five fours and six towering sixes. He seized control from the outset, blending classy lofted strokes with strong pulls, and was well supported by Matthew Breetzke, who struck a rapid 52 from 33 deliveries. Following the early wicket of Jonny Bairstow, the duo put together a brisk 116-run partnership for the second wicket, decisively shifting momentum towards the hosts.
The early dominance set the stage for a strong finish, with Jordan Hermann adding momentum at the death through a lively 37 off 20 balls, blending orthodox strokes with clever reverse sweeps. Riding that late surge, Sunrisers Eastern Cape posted a formidable 188 for 6. At the end of the contest, Quinton de Kock.
Chasing the target, Pretoria failed to build any real momentum. Marco Jansen struck early by dismissing opener Bryce Parsons inside the powerplay, before Adam Milne dealt a crucial blow by removing Shai Hope for a rapid 36 just as he looked dangerous. The defining moment followed when Dewald Brevis took on the longest boundary off Lewis Gregory, only to pick out Matthew Breetzke stationed safely in the deep.
After that setback, the Capitals’ chase collapsed in quick succession. Adam Milne ripped through the lower order to register outstanding figures of 4 for 25, while Senuran Muthusamy produced a moment of brilliance by knocking over a well-set Will Smeed for 35. Pretoria were eventually bowled out comfortably short of the target, exposing the clear difference between the two sides on the night.