Marco Jansen and Donovan Ferreira (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com)
The battle intensifies in the ongoing SA20 2025, where SunRisers Eastern Cape (SEC) are all ready to fight against Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in the Match 19, to be played at the St George's Park, Gqeberha on 24th January. Both these sides have a solid line-up and will go against each other from 9 PM IST.
SunRisers Eastern Cape
Stung by the three early losses, Aiden Markram-inspired SunRisers Eastern Cape bounced back and stunned everyone by conquering the next three games with a bonus point in each of them. SEC have been on a rampage since their first one, as they have been demolishing the opposition with top-class bowling and quality batting. They currently sit on third position with 15 points from six games with three victories and an NRR of +0.065. They are fresh off a win against Pretoria Capitals as they bowled them out for 97 after putting up 149 on the board. Markram played a defining knock of 68*, while Marco Jansen with the ball was as dangerous as ever with a spell of 4/13.
Joburg Super Kings
One place below them on the table are Joburg Super Kings, who are being led by Faf du Plessis and were flawless in their first three games of the season but have been struggling since then. From five games played so far, they have 10 points with two victories, two losses and one abandoned game. Injuries have been a significant cause of concern for the Yellow Army, with almost all lead pacers ruled out of the tournament. Jonny Bairstow has been the shining light with two good innings on tricky surfaces. They are coming off a loss against Paarl Royals after not being able to defend 147. Bairstow scored 60 (40), and Donovan Ferreira 32* (19) saved the day for them after the rest of the batters failed miserably. On the bowling front, Ferreira (1/16), Hardus Viljoen (2/23) and Imran Tahir (1/22) bowled exceptionally well to take the match till the final over.
St George's Park, Gqeberha - Pitch Report For Match 19 Of SA20 2025
The pitch at the St George's Park in Gqeberha has been more pacer-friendly than any other venue in South Africa. This season, batting has only become more challenging, with the ball moving around more than usual. There is pace in this wicket, so the batters need to adjust themselves before going for the big shots. Stroke play isn't any easier here, which is why the average score here is 145. Surprisingly, spinners have been effective here, too, with wickets in their column. All in all, the team winning the toss will likely bat first on this venue since chasing is quite difficult.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices For SEC vs JSK
3) Aiden Markram
Why Will Aiden Markram Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain?
Skipper of the SunRisers, Aiden Markram, has been leading from the front with a match-saving knock in the previous game against the Capitals after the rest of the batters struggled. His ability to bat deep into the innings and then accelerate makes him a perfect player in difficult batting conditions. Currently, he has featured in six games this season and has managed to score a perfect 200 runs with two half-centuries to his name. His strike rate has been decent at 137.93, while his average is precisely 50. With a wealth of experience, Aiden is the right player to be made C/VC of the side.
2) Donovan Ferreira
Why Will Donovan Ferreira Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain?
Considering the conditions, there shouldn't be any doubt over Donovan Ferreira's ability to go big right from the start. He has been quite effective for Super Kings in the death overs with powerful shots down the ground. Donovan, who has primarily been a wicket-keeper batter, is now bowling off-breaks with accuracy and that too, in the powerplay. He has picked up five crucial wickets at an economy of 5.85, and looking at the pitch in Gqeberha, he will be quite effective. Plus, he played a valiant 32* run knock in the last match off just 19 balls against the Royals, so there should never be a doubt about his batting abilities. He has 76 runs in three innings this season with a strike rate of 155.10.
1) Marco Jansen
Why Will Marco Jansen Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain?
Marco Jansen has been in the best phase of his career so far, with the ball coming nicely off his hand while most shots are timed to perfection. He has been lethal in both the departments, being a vital cog for his side. Jansen can pick the wickets early on in the innings and then come back to clean the opposition at the death with his accuracy. He has been quite a magnificent batter who knows how to put the bowlers under pressure with his gap-finding potential. The left-arm pacer already has 10 wickets to his name while scoring 131 runs at a strike rate of 135.05.