The Pretoria Capitals defeated the Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 7 wickets in the SA20 2026 Qualifier 1 held on January 21, 2026, at Kingsmead, Durban. Chasing a target of 171, the Pretoria Capitals reached 172/3 in 18.3 overs, anchored by a stellar unbeaten 75 from Dewald Brevis and a crucial 60 from Bryce Parsons. Earlier, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape posted 170/7 in 20 overs, led by Jonny Bairstow’s 50 and Jordan Hermann’s 41, while Bryce Parsons shone with the ball as well, taking 3 wickets for just 10 runs.
This victory propelled the Pretoria Capitals into their first-ever SA20 final, scheduled for January 25, 2026, at Newlands. For the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the two-time defending champions, this marked their first knockout loss in the tournament’s history, though they retain a second chance at reaching the final via the Qualifier 2 match against the Paarl Royals.
Qualifier 1 Scorecard: Full Batting Summary
The match was a showcase of youthful exuberance and tactical execution by the Pretoria Capitals. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Sunrisers struggled to find momentum in the middle overs against a disciplined Capitals bowling attack.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Batting
The Sunrisers’ innings was built on a solid foundation but lacked the explosive finish required for a massive total. Jonny Bairstow and Jordan Hermann provided a steady start, but the departure of Quinton de Kock early on limited their powerplay potential. Bairstow eventually reached a half-century before falling to Keshav Maharaj.
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Quinton de Kock | b Roston Chase | 19 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 126.67 |
| Jonny Bairstow | lbw b Keshav Maharaj | 50 | 36 | 6 | 1 | 138.89 |
| Jordan Hermann | b Bryce Parsons | 41 | 30 | 3 | 1 | 136.67 |
| Tristan Stubbs | Not Out | 26 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 118.18 |
| James Coles | Run Out | 17 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 425.00 |
Pretoria Capitals Batting
The Capitals’ chase was dominated by a 91-run partnership between Bryce Parsons and Dewald Brevis. Brevis, nicknamed “Baby AB,” lived up to the moniker by smashing seven sixes to finish the game in the 19th over.
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Shai Hope | c de Kock b Gregory | 11 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 122.22 |
| Bryce Parsons | b Anrich Nortje | 60 | 44 | 4 | 2 | 136.36 |
| Dewald Brevis | Not Out | 75 | 38 | 4 | 7 | 197.37 |
Bowling Analysis: Impact Players
Bowling at Kingsmead requires a mix of pace and intelligent spin, and the Pretoria Capitals executed this perfectly. Bryce Parsons turned the match in the Capitals’ favor by stepping up after Lungi Ngidi left the field with an injury.
Pretoria Capitals Bowling
Bryce Parsons was the surprise package, delivering a match-winning spell of 3/10 in just three overs. His ability to restrict the Sunrisers’ middle order proved to be the difference between a 170 score and a 200 score.
- Bryce Parsons: 3-0-10-3
- Keshav Maharaj: 4-0-24-2
- Roston Chase: 4-0-33-1
- Anrich Nortje (SEC): 4-0-33-1
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Bowling
The Sunrisers’ bowling unit, usually their strongest suit, struggled to contain the Brevis onslaught. Anrich Nortje managed to remove Parsons late in the game, but by then, the momentum had shifted entirely. Lewis Gregory took the early wicket of Shai Hope but was expensive in the final overs.
Match Context and Playoff Implications
This match served as a high-stakes encounter to determine the first finalist of the SA20 2026 season. Under the guidance of head coach Sourav Ganguly, the Pretoria Capitals have transformed into a clinical unit that peaked at the right time.
The victory means the Pretoria Capitals travel directly to Cape Town for the final. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape, led by Tristan Stubbs, must now reset for Qualifier 2. Their depth and previous championship experience make them favorites to bounce back, but the loss in Durban has raised questions about their ability to handle high-pressure chases when their top order fails to fire.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend the final or future SA20 matches, understanding the venue and logistics is key.
- Final Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town.
- Final Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026.
- Ticket Prices: R100 to R500 depending on the stand and hospitality options.
- How to Get There: Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus service and Uber are the most reliable transport methods to Newlands.
- What to Expect: A festive atmosphere with “fan zones,” live music, and high-intensity cricket.
- Tips for Visitors: Arrive at least 90 minutes before the 15:30 (SAST) start time to clear security and enjoy the pre-match entertainment.
Seasonal Performance Comparison
Throughout the 2026 season, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape dominated the league stage, winning both of their regular-season encounters against the Pretoria Capitals. However, the Capitals’ “late surge” strategy proved effective in the knockouts.
| Team | League Rank | Qualifier 1 Result | Qualification Status |
| Sunrisers EC | 1st | Lost by 7 wickets | To Qualifier 2 |
| Pretoria Capitals | 2nd | Won by 7 wickets | Qualified for Final |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Pretoria Capitals match on January 21, 2026?
The Pretoria Capitals won by 7 wickets with 9 balls to spare.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Bryce Parsons was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scoring 60 runs and taking 3 wickets for 10 runs.
What was the final score of the SEC vs PC match?
Sunrisers Eastern Cape scored 170/7 (20 overs), and Pretoria Capitals scored 172/3 (18.3 overs).
Where can I find the full scorecard for the SA20 Qualifier 1?
The full scorecard is available on official platforms like the SA20 website, SuperSport, and major cricket news sites.
What is the next match for Sunrisers Eastern Cape?
They will play the Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2 on January 23, 2026, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.
Is Dewald Brevis playing for Pretoria Capitals in 2026?
Yes, he is a core member of the Capitals squad and was instrumental in their win over the Sunrisers with an unbeaten 75.
Who is the coach of the Pretoria Capitals?
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly is the head coach for the 2026 season.
What was the venue for the Sunrisers vs Capitals 2026 Qualifier?
The match was played at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.
How many sixes did Dewald Brevis hit in the match?
Dewald Brevis hit a total of 7 sixes during his unbeaten innings of 75.
Did Quinton de Kock play in this match?
Quinton de Kock played for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, opening the batting and scoring 19 runs.
What time did the match start?
The match started at 15:30 local time (SAST) or 19:00 IST on Wednesday, January 21.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 SA20 Qualifier 1 was a definitive moment for the Pretoria Capitals, signaling a shift in power as they dismantled the reigning champions. The combination of Bryce Parsons’ tactical brilliance with the ball and Dewald Brevis’ clinical finishing has set the Capitals up as the team to beat in the final. For the Sunrisers, the loss serves as a wake-up call; while their top order remains formidable, their middle-order vulnerability was exposed under pressure. As the tournament moves to its climax at Newlands, all eyes will be on whether the Capitals can secure their first title or if the Sunrisers can navigate the “long road” through Qualifier 2 to complete a historic hat-trick of championships.
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