The opening Saturday of the 2025/26 SA20 season continues at Boland Park on 27 December, with Paarl Royals hosting Sunrisers Eastern Cape. We look at the match from a betting angle.
Tournament Outlook
Paarl Royals head into the new campaign after a strong 2025 season that saw them finish second on the log before falling just short in the playoffs. They are priced at 8.50 in the outright market. Defending champions MI Cape Town lead the betting at 2.75, followed by Sunrisers Eastern Cape at 5.50.
Click here for the outright betting markets.
Paarl Royals v Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Paarl Royals were one of the most consistent sides in the 2025 season, winning seven of their ten matches and finishing runners-up on the table. Their success was built on a powerful top order and smart use of spin at Boland Park.
Rubin Hermann steps into the captaincy role, with the likes of David Miller and last seasons bolter Lhuan-dre Pretorius adding strength to the batting lineup. Ottniel Baartman is an exciting addition to the team with ball in hand and he will be well supported by Hardus Viljoen.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape once again proved difficult to beat last season, finishing third before producing a strong playoff run to reach the final. They ultimately fell short against MI Cape Town but their campaign underlined their ability to peak at the right time.
Tristan Stubbs is set to anchor (and captain) a side packed with experienced batsmen like Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow, while their bowling attack, led by Marco Jansen and supported by quality spin options such as Senuran Muthusamy, gives them flexibility.
Head-to-Head
The sides met twice during the 2025 league phase, with each team winning convincingly at home. Paarl Royals claimed a dominant 9-wicket victory at Boland Park after chasing down 175 with ease, while Sunrisers Eastern Cape returned the favour at St George’s Park with a 48-run win.
Match Odds – click here to bet
- Paarl Royals: 2.15
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 1.73
This looks a well-priced market given the strengths of both sides. Boland Park often rewards teams that control the middle overs, making matchups against spin particularly important. Sunrisers enter as rightful favourites based on their arsenal of quality players.
Suggested Bets
Lhuan-dre Pretorius – Paarl Royals Top Batsman @ 3.75
Pretorius enjoyed an excellent 2025 campaign and looked particularly comfortable at Boland Park. If Paarl are to start well, he is likely to play a key role at the top of the order.
Marco Jansen – Player of the Match @ 14.00
Sunrisers Eastern Cape are well equipped to challenge away from home and Jansens all-round influence make him a strong Player of the Match candidate at appealing odds.
Duck Off – Free Bet Promotion
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To claim your voucher, simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with the subject line “Duck Off” within 24 hours of the match finishing.
Prices correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
