JOHANNESBURG: The 2025/26 Division 2 T20 Knock-Out Competition is reaching the final stages and the top four teams will be looking for honours in the new play-off structure.
The structure sees the top four teams on the log progress to three knockout matches that determine the finalists.
The first and second-placed teams face off in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the Final and the loser receiving a second chance.
The third and fourth-placed teams play in the Eliminator, where the loser is knocked out and the winner moves into Qualifier 2.
Qualifier 2 then sees the loser of Qualifier 1 take on the winner of the Eliminator, and the victor of that clash secures the second spot in the Final.
The competition is set to heat up with Qualifier 1 scheduled for November 18, where Knights will face Eastern Cape Iinyathi at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
This will be followed by the Eliminator on November 19, Garden Route Badgers against Mpumalanga Rhinos at the Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn.
This season’s T20KO kicked-off on October 24 in Kimberley, where the Knights delivered a commanding performance against Northern Cape Heat, winning by 93 runs.
Over the following weeks, teams battled fiercely, with standout moments including Mpumalanga Rhinos’ one-over tie breaker against Eastern Storms, and Knights’ consistent dominance, having secured their position at the top of the log with 20 points.
The Knights have been a powerful force, winning six of their matches, including impressive victories against Limpopo Impalas by 99 runs and Eastern Storms by 8 runs (DLS method).
Garden Route Badgers have also made a significant mark, winning five of their matches, including a notable victory against Mpumalanga Rhinos by 5 wickets.
Eastern Cape Iinyathi showed great skills with consistent performances, currently holding second place in the standings with 19 points.
Even though some matches faced unfortunate weather interruptions, with two games abandoned without a ball bowled on November 15 (Northern Cape Heat vs Mpumalanga Rhinos and Knights vs Eastern Cape Iinyathi).
As teams gear up for the knockout stages, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating finish to this year’s T20 Knock-Out Competition.
Fans are encouraged to keep supporting their teams as we move closer to crowning this season’s champion.
Entry is free.
Source: cricket.co.za
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