Expect an “Incredible” South African Summer

The wait is finally over. Betway SA20 Season 3 is finally here.

The six team captains along with Commissioner Graeme Smith exuded excitement as they addressed the media in Cape Town ahead of the competition opener between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town at St George’s Park tomorrow.

The feeling that an “Incredible” South African Summer was about to get underway was certainly in the air with Smith promising an even bigger and better Season 3 after two hugely successful seasons.

“I am very excited. I think every year when we get to this point it’s a balance of excitement and fear. We’ve worked extremely hard to get to this point,” Smith said.

“Two seasons in I feel we are now an established product. We’re probably the biggest league outside of the IPL. Being able to attract the six franchises that we have, they are very professional, very competitive.

“We’ve had quality local and international players. The squads look even stronger in Season 3. We can so see many matchups.

“Every year the cricket is getting better and seeing the progression of players is key to me. From a fan perspective, we are investing heavily again. There is something for everyone from the kids to adults who want to enjoy a really good experience inside the stadium.”

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have dominated the first two editions of Betway SA20 in much the same way the Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup back-to-back and the spotlight was certainly on whether captain Aiden Markram and his team could achieve a hat-trick this season.

“It’s nice to be used in the same sentence as the Bokke, but really pumped to go for a third one this season.

“Obviously there are no guarantees. It’s a hugely competitive tournament. Hopefully, in a month’s time there is something cool that can happen.”

Durban’s Super Giants finished runners-up to SEC last season and captain Keshav Maharaj believes that with some key additions like New Zealand superstar Kane Williamson, they can now go all the way.

“I am excited to learn from someone like Kane Williamson. He’s been around the world. He has done really well as a leader. To be able dive into his insights and looking into the philosophies of how he leads teams,” Maharaj said.

Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis also believes the Wanderers-based team have added a significant amount of experience to their team which could prove the difference.

“We’ve had some great signings in Jonny Bairstow, Devon Conway and Matheesha Pathirana. Those three guys and (Tabraiz) Shamsi are four proper cricket players. All in all our squad is very balanced,” Du Plessis.

MI Cape Town skipper Rashid Khan is overjoyed to be back for Season 3 after missing out last season due to injury and is confident his team can improve on their showing in the previous two seasons.

“It is good to see how our players have performed for their respective teams leading up to SA20, so I am excited to see how they do their best in SA20. Everyone is pumped up and ready to do their best for MI Cape Town this season,” Rashid said.

Paarl Royals skipper David Miller, who is expecting his first born approximately the same time as the Betway SA20 final, is hoping for a double celebration this season.

“We will cross that bridge when we get there, but it’s been two very exciting seasons. All the games have been really fun to be part of. The level of competitiveness is also up there. I am looking forward to that again. There is a lot of energy in the stadiums,” Miller said.

Rilee Rossow will be leading the Capitals for the first time in Season 3, forming a new leadership group at Centurion with head coach Jonathan Trott. The Capitals are certainly looking to put in an impressive performance as they await the return of superstar fast bowler Anrich Nortje.

“We want to play positive cricket. We want to play good cricket and be competitive. Our cause remains the same as the last two seasons,” Rossouw said.

“We also have some key men that have to come back for us in the fast-bowling department. Hopefully, their toes and shoulders will be fine when the competition kicks off. They are looking good and progressing really well.”