The business end of SA20 2025–26 continues with a high-stakes encounter as MI Cape Town host Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Newlands, Cape Town. This fixture brings together the reigning champions and the most consistent side of the season so far, making it one of the most anticipated league matches.
For MI Cape Town, the equation is straightforward. Victory is essential to keep playoff hopes alive. Sunrisers Eastern Cape, already assured of a knockout berth, will look to maintain momentum and strengthen their position near the top of the table.
Match Details
| Match | MI Cape Town vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Match 26 |
| Tournament | SA20 2025–26 |
| Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Newlands, Cape Town |
| Live Streaming In India | JioHotStar Website or APP |
Current Scenario
MI Cape Town have endured an inconsistent campaign, struggling to string together wins at crucial moments. Despite possessing a strong squad on paper, lapses in execution have left them outside the top four.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape, meanwhile, have once again showcased why they are among the most successful franchises in SA20 history. Their balanced approach with bat and ball has ensured steady results across conditions.
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 7 |
| MI Cape Town Wins | 3 |
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape Wins | 4 |
Weather Report
| Conditions | Clear skies |
| Temperature | 24–26°C |
| Rain Probability | Low |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Wind | Light breeze |
Pitch Report – Newlands, Cape Town
Newlands traditionally offers a well-balanced surface. Seamers often find assistance early due to bounce and movement, while batters can score freely once they settle. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to become more batter-friendly, making chasing a viable option.
Spinners may come into play during the middle overs if the surface dries out. A first-innings score between 160 and 170 is generally competitive at this venue.
Key Players to Watch
- Ryan Rickelton – MI Cape Town’s most reliable run-scorer this season
- Rassie van der Dussen – Anchor role crucial in pressure situations
- Quinton de Kock – Explosive starts at the top for Sunrisers
- Jonny Bairstow – Proven match-winner in SA20 conditions
- Marco Jansen – Impact all-rounder with the new ball and at the death
Toss Impact
The toss is expected to play a meaningful role at Newlands. The surface generally offers some assistance to fast bowlers early on, especially under natural light. As the evening progresses, batting conditions tend to improve, making stroke play easier in the second half of the match.
Captains winning the toss are likely to prefer batting first, aiming to post a competitive total and apply scoreboard pressure. Defending teams have found success here when they make early inroads with the new ball.
Score Expectation
Based on recent matches at Newlands and current team combinations, a first-innings score in excess of 163 runs should be considered competitive. Teams batting first will target a strong Powerplay to set the tone for the innings.
| Powerplay Target | 50–55 runs |
| First Innings Par Score | 163–170 runs |
| Chasing Scenario | Totals around 160 are manageable if wickets are in hand |
If the team chasing gets through the Powerplay with minimal damage, the pitch usually allows batters to control the run rate. In such conditions, a well-paced chase can be completed comfortably, especially with set batters in the middle overs.
Probable Playing XIs
MI Cape Town
Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Karim Janat
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, Jordan Hermann, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Lewis Gregory, James Coles, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Adam Milne
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Dream11 Team 1
Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Jonny Bairstow, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Trent Boult
Dream11 Team 2
Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Nicholas Pooran, Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, Lewis Gregory, Rashid Khan, Adam Milne, Kagiso Rabada, Senuran Muthusamy
Match Prediction
Sunrisers Eastern Cape enter the contest as the more settled side, but the urgency surrounding MI Cape Town cannot be ignored. Playing at home, with playoff qualification on the line, MI Cape Town are expected to deliver a disciplined performance.
Predicted Winner 🏆 MI Cape Town
