Cricket

Sunrisers ‘Moneyballed’ their way to SA20 title

Sunrisers Eastern Cape star spinner Roelof van der Merwe says he has no thought how they went on to be topped the inaugural SA20 champions.

The Sunrisers cruised to a cushty four-wicket victory over the Pretoria Capitals at a bought out Wanderers on Sunday, regardless of coming into the final as underdogs towards their extra favoured opponents.  

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape bowled first and didn’t disappoint with ball in hand because the Capitals had been dismissed for simply 135 runs.

The bowling assault was led by the ever spectacular Van Merwe, with the 38-year-old veteran delivering a wonderful spell of left-arm spin for figures of 4/31. Van der Merwe was ably supported by Aiden Markram (1/17) Sisanda Magala (2/30) and Ottniel Baartman (2/22).

ALSO READ: Report — Sunrisers shine shiny to be topped SA20 champs!

The Sunrisers’ reply didn’t get off to the most effective of begins with Temba Bavuma departing within the second over to Ethan Bosch. But opener Adam Rossington performed the right hand as smashed a quickfire 57 off 30 ball to alleviate any early strain, whereas rising star Jordan Hermann chipped in with 22 off 17 balls. Markram additionally continued to bat with confidence and sophistication, scoring 26 off 19 runs, because the Sunrisers cruised to victory.

SUNRISERS MONEYBALLED THEIR WAY TO SA20 SUCCESS

Commenting on the Sunrisers upset win over the event trendsetters, the Capitals, Van der Merwe admitted he’s nonetheless making an attempt to work out simply how they managed to pull off the victory.

“Even if I didn’t play a game, we probably still would’ve won it. I don’t know. I don’t know what to tell you,” stated Van der Merwe. 

“We’re sitting right here with a trophy and I’m nonetheless making an attempt to work out how we actually gained it. Nobody gave us an opportunity when the event began, that’s a reality. But we gelled properly and nearly ‘Moneyballed’ our way to success. 

“In the end, we knew exactly what all of us were going to do and we got on with it. Happy days,” the Sunrisers star man added.

WATCH: SA20 remaining highlights — Sunrisers spin their way to glory

Van der Merwe is a former Proteas participant, however switched allegiances to the Netherlands nationwide crew in 2015 when he secured his Dutch passport.

He stated it was great to give you the chance to return to South Africa as a participant and that he hoped to play on residence soil once more quickly.

“I like coming again right here, I used to be right here again in 2019. I simply love enjoying in South Africa and it’s very satisfying to give you the chance to contribute in direction of profitable a trophy. We’re right here to win them in any case. 

“Even at my age, I still have something left in the tank. I’m glad I could put it to good use,” stated the SA20 champion.

“I just love competing, whatever I’m doing. I love to be a competitor. As long as that desire remains in place, I’ll keeping coming back. That’s the main thing.”

ALSO READ: SA20 remaining | Live scores — Pretoria Capitals v Sunrisers Eastern Cape

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape had been topped SA20 champions.

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