Rivalries Heat Up in SA20
The SA20, whose SA20 Live Streaming T20 cricket began life three seasons ago, has established enough of a foothold to be considered the second-best league in the world behind the IPL. That is a view shared by commissioner Graeme Smith, but not by everyone. The cynics will point out that the IPL’s owner-operated teams are not necessarily here to advance cricket in South Africa or even in their own cities, and that is a legitimate argument.
The Rise of SA20 Cricket
But a big pat on the back must go to Smith and his team for the success of the tournament, which is sold out every week and draws huge crowds. The competition has also brought back summer vibes and given players a platform to showcase their skills.
One such player is the Proteas and KCB captain Aiden Markram, who has been in superb form as his side battle for the title. He has been a versatile batter, playing anchor and spinner roles, while his 743 runs make him one of the most valuable in the tournament.
Another player who has made a significant impact is the Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape opener Leus du Plooy, who scored seven hundreds in the first season of the SA20. He can bat in several positions, making him a good buy for franchises looking to fill gaps in their batting line-up.
With the auction for next season’s SA20 taking place on Tuesday, Morris expects many more stars to be sold off. He believes that Markram will be the biggest purchase of all, with youngsters like Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis also set to receive big contracts.