The SA20 Team of the Season 3 has been announced, and champions MI Cape Town (MICT) have left an undeniable mark, dominating the lineup with five players in the XI.
Their incredible performances throughout the tournament secured their second SA20 title, and the individual brilliance of several players made them the most represented franchise in the best XI of the tournament. The team, led by Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC)‘s Aiden Markram, also features top performers from other franchises, including the Eastern Cape, Paarl Royals (PR) and Joburg Super Kings (JSK), ensuring a well-balanced squad.
Players at the top of the order under Aiden Markram’s captaincy
The tournament witnessed the emergence of young talents, and none stood out more than Paarl Royals (PR)‘ Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who finished as the league’s leading run-scorer. At just 18 years old, Pretorius made history, equaling Tilak Varma‘s record for the most runs scored by a teenager in a single season of a franchise T20 league. Scoring 397 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 166.80, Pretorius displayed a fearless approach, often taking the attack to the bowlers in the powerplay. His breathtaking 97 on debut set the tone for his explosive season, proving his ability to dominate at the highest level.
The Cape Town’s Ryan Rickelton complemented Pretorius at the top of the order, producing a stellar season with 336 runs at a staggering strike rate of 178.72. Having already impressed in the longer formats, Rickelton translated his form into the T20 arena, notching up three half-centuries. His contributions at crucial junctures, including a blistering 33 off 15 balls in the final, ensured the Cape Town set up competitive totals. His ability to maintain consistency throughout the tournament made him an automatic choice in the best XI.
Middle-order strengthened by Joe Root and others
The middle order featured a mix of stability, experience, and raw power, with Joe Root, Markram and Dewald Brevis forming the core. Root, in his first SA20 season with the Royals, played the role of a reliable anchor while maintaining an impressive strike rate of 140.20. Scoring 279 runs at an average of 55.80, Root ensured his team chased down targets efficiently, registering two of his three fifties in successful run chases. His part-time off-spin also proved valuable, contributing five wickets at an economy rate of just 7.00.
The Eastern Cape captain Markram continued his impressive run, amassing 340 runs at a steady average of 37.77 while also chipping in with five wickets. While not the most aggressive hitter, Markram’s ability to rescue his team from difficult situations made him indispensable. His unbeaten 68 in a must-win encounter showcased his temperament and ability to anchor an innings under pressure. Like Root, Markram also provided breakthroughs with his off-spin, making him a complete package.
The Cape Town’s young sensation, Dewald Brevis, added an element of explosiveness to the middle order. Despite being shuffled across various positions in the batting lineup, Brevis delivered a phenomenal campaign, smashing 291 runs at an incredible strike rate of 184.17. His ability to clear the ropes was unmatched, finishing as the tournament’s leading six-hitter with 25 maximums. His unbeaten 73 against Pretoria Capitals was a masterclass in power-hitting, and he continued his big-match form with significant contributions in both the Qualifier and the final, cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous young batters in T20 cricket. The line up also featured the experience and power of hard-hitting batter David Miller who smashed 248 runs in 10 games with an explosive strike rate of over 136 and as astonishing average of 58.
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All-rounders and bowlers: Strong presence of Marco Jansen
The lower middle order and bowling attack featured match-winners who made significant contributions in both departments. The Eastern Cape’s Marco Jansen was one of the most exciting all-rounders of the tournament, scoring 204 runs while also finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps. His crucial 51 while coming in at 26/5 against the Capitals demonstrated his batting potential, while his best bowling figures of 4/13 highlighted his ability to change the game single-handedly.
The Cape Town’s George Linde played a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign, excelling as an all-rounder. He contributed 161 runs at a blistering strike rate of 153.33 while also taking 11 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.29. His ability to finish innings with the bat and keep things tight with the ball made him a crucial asset for the champions.
Leading the pace attack was the Cape Town’s premier bowler, Kagiso Rabada, who delivered when it mattered the most. Although he had a relatively quiet league stage, Rabada saved his best for the final, where he dismantled the Eastern Cape’s chase with a sensational 4-25. His ability to strike at crucial moments turned the tide in MI Cape Town’s favor, ensuring they lifted the trophy in dominant fashion.
Rabada’s partner with the ball will be Richard Gleeson and left-arm swing king Trent Boult. Gleeson had been sensational for the Eastern Cape’s throughout the season with 14 wickets in the pocket at an average of 24.2. Meanwhile Boult had been trump card for the Cape Town as he picked 11 wickets under the economy of 7 with the best figures of 2/9.
12th man of the team
Joburg Super Kings’ dynamic all-rounder, Donovan Ferreira, has been named the 12th man for his explosive performances. Dewald Ferreira from Joburg Super Kings had an impactful SA20 2025 season, earning a spot as the 12th man in the Team of the Year. He scored 163 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 155.23, with a best of 51. With the ball, he took eight wickets in eight innings at an economy of 5.81, delivering a best spell of 3/23. His all-round contributions provided balance to the squad, making him a crucial utility player. Despite limited opportunities, he showcased consistency in both departments. His performances hint at a promising future in franchise cricket.