The fourth edition of the SA20 league is set to begin with a Boxing Day opener between defending champions MI Cape Town and Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands, Cape Town, on December 26. The final is scheduled for January 25, organisers announced on Wednesday.The excitement continues the very next day, December 27, with the season’s first double-header. Centurion will host a high-octane derby between Pretoria Capitals and Joburg Super Kings, while Paarl Royals take on Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Boland Park in Paarl.Kingsmead in Durban, home ground of the Super Giants, will witness a flurry of activity in the final week of 2024. The venue will host MI Cape Town on December 28 and Joburg Super Kings on December 30.“Fans will have the opportunity to toast in the New Year in style with another cracking double-header set for Gqeberha and Cape Town on December 31,” the organisers said.
That day, two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape will host Paarl Royals at St. George’s Park, followed by MI Cape Town squaring off against Pretoria Capitals at Newlands in the evening.
New Year’s Day will keep the momentum going, as Joburg Super Kings take on Durban’s Super Giants at the Wanderers.“Announcing the fixtures is always a major milestone for us and signals that we are well on our way to another incredible season. Season 4 of the SA20 will be unique. We have carefully planned the fixtures to make the most of the festive season and school holidays.“We want SA20 to be a part of the holiday season festivities in our once-off window for this year. We’re also excited to host New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day fixtures for the first time, we can’t wait to be a part of the New Year’s celebrations with the fans,” said League Commissioner Graeme Smith.Speaking about the league’s popularity in India, Smith added: “It’s been phenomenal to witness how SA20 has struck a chord with fans in a vibrant cricket market like India.
“What’s truly heart-warming is seeing Indian fans follow emerging SA20 talents like Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Wiaan Mulder, and many others who’ve honed their skills in the competition. India remains a key market for SA20, and we’d love to see more fans travel to South Africa for the matches. They certainly won’t be disappointed.”The SA20 auction is set for September 9.Action resumes on January 2 with a Cape derby at Boland Park between Paarl Royals and MI Cape Town. Both teams will look to extend their unbeaten home records from last season — each won all five of their respective home matches.The league then shifts to the Highveld for a Super Saturday on January 3. Joburg Super Kings face Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the Wanderers, while Pretoria Capitals lock horns with Durban’s Super Giants at Centurion.The playoffs will begin with Qualifier 1 on January 21, followed by the Eliminator on January 22 and Qualifier 2 on January 23. The final is slated for January 25, with venues for the playoffs and final to be announced later.
