SA 2025 SEC vs PR: Probable XI Predictions, Live Streaming, Fantasy Tips, Preview, Pitch And Weather Report

Marco Jansen and Dinesh Karthik (Source: @SunrisersEC/X.com, @paarlroyals/X.com)

It's crunch time in the ongoing SA20 2025, where defending champions SunRisers Eastern Cape (SEC) will be playing to save their playoff spot against the table-toppers Paarl Royals (PR) at St George's Park, Gqeberha. Match number 28 will take place on 1st February from 4:30 PM IST in Saturday's double-header.

SEC vs PR Match 28: Match Details And Live Streaming

SEC vs PR: Match 28 Preview

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Coming off two disappointing defeats against Joburg and Cape Town, Aiden Markram-led SunRisers Eastern Cape are in desperate need of a win to ensure their spot for playoffs. They have played nine matches so far and won four of them while earning three bonus points, accumulating 19 points in total. Considering how they started the tournament with three consecutive losses, the SunRisers have done well to recover with four straight wins after that. 

However, their previous game against MI Cape Town was a disaster as they were bowled out for a paltry 107, where David Bedingham was the highest scorer with 45 runs. Their bowling failed miserably as none of the bowlers were able to pick a wicket, handing MI an easy victory by ten wickets inside eleven overs. Thus, gifting them a bonus point as well.

Paarl Royals

Sitting comfortably on the top of the table are Paarl Royals, with an incredible 28 points in nine matches after winning seven of them while losing only two. In the last game, they lost their six-match winning streak after losing to JSK by seven wickets. Paarl batting first posted 150 on the board for the loss of nine wickets courtesy of an incredible effort from Dinesh Karthik, who stood out with his performance of 53 runs from 39 balls, saving his team from embarrassment after being reduced to 80/6 inside 12 overs.

However, this score didn't prove to be enough as the opposition skipper, Faf Du Plessis, single-handedly put on the show by smashing 87 off 55 balls to take his side to victory by seven wickets with 13 balls to spare when all other batters failed to time the ball perfectly. Mujeeb Ur Rahman was again the pick of the bowlers with figures of 1/20 in his 3.5 overs. Meanwhile, they have already booked their spot for the playoffs and will play the qualifier one.

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SEC vs PR: Weather And Pitch Report

Weather

The weather in the city of Gqeberha is expected to be pleasant, with the temperatures ranging from 19 to 24 degrees on Saturday while the chances of precipitation are zero. The humidity will be on the higher side at 79% as the wind will blow around 16 kph. With no chances of rain, it shall be assumed that the match will go on without any hurdles or interruptions.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the St. George's Park in Gqeberha has supported the pacers more than the batters. Batting hasn't been easy, even in the first innings, as the ball tends to move a lot. With the average scoring rate of around 7.3, batters find it tough here.

Putting runs on the board is still an easier task as compared to chasing the target, considering the track gets more challenging as the game progresses. Spinners also find help with the ball as it grips and turns, hence, playing big shots is difficult. Therefore, team winning the toss will likely bat first here.

SEC vs PR: Probable XIs

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Tom Abell, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs (wk), Marco Jansen, Craig Overton, Liam Dawson, Ottneil Baartman, Simon Harmer, Richard Gleeson

Paarl Royals: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Mitchell Owen, Rubin Hermann, Mitchell Van Buuren, David Miller (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Dunith Wellalage, Dayyaan Galiem, Bjorn Fortuin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Kwena Maphaka

SEC vs PR: Fantasy Cricket Tips

SunRisers captain Aiden Markram and all-rounder Marco Jansen should be preferred because of their outstanding form, whereas Tristan Stubbs, Ottneil Baartman, and Richard Gleeson can be dangerous on the Gqeberha wicket.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius has done wonders in the powerplay in the tournament, whereas Dinesh Karthik smacked a half-century in the last match against JSK. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman must be picked, and Kwena Maphaka will be pretty useful with his variations.

SEC vs PR: Winner Prediction

With SunRisers being a dominant force at Gqeberha, expect them to have the upper hand in this encounter, considering beating them at their home is tough. Therefore, SunRisers Eastern Cape will likely end up winning this contest.

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