Aiden Markram struck 100 off 58 balls as the Sunrisers Eastern Cape beat the Joburg Super Kings by 14 runs in the second SA20 semi-final in Centurion.
The Sunrisers will take on the table-topping Pretoria Capitals in the final at the Wanderers on Saturday.
Markram displayed fantastic temperament as the Sunrisers were reduced to 13-2 after losing openers Temba Bavuma and Adam Rossington early on to Lizaad Williams (4-41).
Lizaad Williams gets #JSK off to a flyer ✈️#Betway #SA20 #JSKvSEC @Betway_India pic.twitter.com/nl55fstIA4
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 9, 2023
But that was when the experienced Markram made the ultimate difference as he formed a match-turning 99-run partnership with Jordan Hermann, who made a composed 48 off 36 balls.
Cameos from Tristan Stubbs (20) and Jordan Cox (18) then allowed the Sunrisers to post an imposing 213-5, with Gerald Coetzee’s last over going for 27 runs.
Aiden Markram led from the front with a brilliant captain’s 100!
Over to you now Stubbsy… #Betway #SA20 | @Betway_India @AidzMarkram pic.twitter.com/LgiontbB0r
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 9, 2023
The Super Kings’ chase got off to the worst possible start when in-form captain Faf du Plessis pulled Sisanda Magala’s first delivery of the innings straight to deep square-leg.
FAF GONE!! The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have struck a MASSIVE blow! Joburg Super Kings skipper Faf du Plessis out first ball! #Betway #SA20 #JSKvSEC @Betway_India pic.twitter.com/wjc07itlbu
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 9, 2023
Leus du Plooy followed shortly for another duck as the Sunrisers exerted their dominance.
Reeza Hendricks, batting at No 4, struck a superb 96 off 54 balls and Romario Shepherd smashed 38* off 14, but the Super Kings fell painfully short of what would have been a home final.
