Reigning champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape face a significant setback in the upcoming SA20 league as key players Sisanda Magala and Craig Overton are unavailable due to injury and surgery, respectively.
Magala, instrumental in last year’s title triumph, has been sidelined since October, impacting the team’s pace arsenal. Overton, who underwent back surgery, has struggled with various injuries, ruling him out of the SA20 season.
In response, Sunrisers Eastern Cape swiftly enlisted batting all-rounder Patrick Kruger as Magala’s replacement, aiming to bolster their campaign with his skills.
Despite these challenges, the team, led by Aiden Markram, is determined to defend their SA20 title. Markram, a crucial player and the Player of the Series in the previous season, led the team to victory against Pretoria Capitals in the final.
The upcoming SA20 season, featuring IPL owners for all six local franchises, commences on January 10. The league introduces a unique clash between Durban Super Giants, Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, Paarl Royals, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and Pretoria Capitals, marking the first T20 league outside India with IPL owners for all participating franchises.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape boasts a formidable lineup, with England’s Dawid Malan, the ODI World Cup leading run-scorer, reinforcing the batting order. Middle-order strength is expected from Tristan Stubbs and Sarel Erwee, supported by quality all-rounders Marco Jansen, Liam Dawson, and Tom Abell.
🚨 Update: Sisanda Magala & Craig Overton are ruled out for the season due to injuries.
— Sunrisers Eastern Cape (@SunrisersEC) January 8, 2024
We wish them a speedy recovery 🙌🏻🧡#SEC #SunrisersEasternCape #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/IYkrHMcfic
A new Sunriser is in the town, #OrangeArmy 🧡
— Sunrisers Eastern Cape (@SunrisersEC) January 8, 2024
🚨 Update: The batting all-rounder replaces the injured Sisanda Magala for the upcoming SA20 season.
#SEC #SunrisersEasternCape #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/vj33oTfmIm
