Sunrisers Eastern Cape face Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2 of the SA20 League at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 January 2026, with the match scheduled to start at 17:30 local time. The winner of this contest will advance to the Final at World Sports Betting Newlands, while the loser will see their tournament come to an end.
Outright Betting Update – click here to bet
With just three teams remaining in the competition, Pretoria Capitals have moved into favouritism to lift the SA20 trophy at 2.05 after securing their place in the Final. Sunrisers Eastern Cape are priced at 2.60 and will be desperate to bounce back in Qualifier 2, while Paarl Royals remain outsiders at 4.30 despite their impressive Eliminator victory.
Qualifier 2 Preview
Sunrisers Eastern Cape arrive in Qualifier 2 after suffering a seven-wicket defeat to Pretoria Capitals in Qualifier 1 at Kingsmead. Batting first, SEC posted 170/7, with Jonny Bairstow top scoring with 50, but they were unable to apply sustained pressure with the ball as Dewald Brevis guided Pretoria to victory with an unbeaten 75 off 38 balls. That result ended SEC’s hopes of direct qualification for the final, but they remain one of the most balanced sides in the competition and will be determined to make amends.
Across the league phase, Sunrisers finished top of the table with 28 points from 10 matches, built on strong performances at both ends of the innings. Their bowling unit, led by Anrich Nortje and supported by disciplined spin options, has consistently restricted opposition scoring, while their top order has provided solid foundations throughout the tournament.
Paarl Royals earned their place in Qualifier 2 with a commanding 36-run win over Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator at Centurion. Batting first, the Royals piled up an imposing 210/5, driven by Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ aggressive 51 and valuable middle-order contributions. Their bowlers then maintained control throughout the chase, restricting JSK to 174/8 with Viljoen the standout with his 3/24 in 4 overs.
The Royals finished third in the league standings with 24 points from 10 matches. While their net run rate suffered late in the campaign, they have shown resilience in big matches and will take confidence from their dominant Eliminator performance heading into this do-or-die encounter.
Head-to-Head
Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Paarl Royals met twice during the league phase. SEC dominated the first meeting at Boland Park in Match 3, winning by 137 runs, while Paarl Royals gained revenge in Match 7 at St George’s Park with a five-wicket victory.
Match Odds – Click Here to Bet
Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 1.69
Paarl Royals: 2.20
Suggested Bets
Sunrisers Eastern Cape to Win @ 1.69
SEC’s consistency across the season and their strong bowling depth give them a slight edge in this high-pressure fixture. With a place in the final on the line, their experience in knockout cricket should prove decisive, particularly on a Wanderers surface that suits their pace attack.
Top Sunrisers Eastern Cape Wicket Taker – Anrich Nortje @ 3.85
Nortje has been central to SEC’s success this season, regularly striking in the powerplay and at the death and he has 15 wickets at an average of 15.60. On a pitch that rewards genuine pace and bounce, he shapes as the leading candidate to top the wicket-taking charts and if he gets a few wickets and SEC progress he may have an outside chance of catching Baartman (19) as top wicket taker .
Top Paarl Royals Run Scorer – Dan Lawrence @ 4.50
Lawrence didn’t succeed in overhauling Pretorius in the Eliminator but he oozes class and should be well suited to the Wanderers wicket. He has scored 196 runs at an average of 32.33.
Prices correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
