Defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, are gearing up to face off against Joburg Super Kings in the exhilarating opener of the 2024 SA20 season. The much-anticipated cricket extravaganza is slated to commence on January 10 at Gqeberha and conclude with the Final on February 10. Interestingly, a scheduling overlap with South Africa’s Test series against New Zealand looms during the final week of the tournament, starting from February 4.
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A carefully curated opening week will see each team hosting a home match, contributing to the excitement of 34 thrilling games across six prestigious venues in South Africa. The action-packed first weekend culminates at the Wanderers stadium with a compelling double-header. The Super Kings will welcome MI Cape Town in the afternoon clash, followed by a riveting showdown between Durban Super Giants and the Sunrisers.
Significantly, the SA20 is introducing a new format for the post-league phase, substituting the conventional semi-finals with IPL-style Playoffs. This fresh approach includes two Qualifiers and an Eliminator, adding an extra layer of anticipation and tension to the later stages of the tournament.
The fixture schedule for this season has been thoughtfully organized to cater to the audience’s preferences. Midweek clashes are set to commence at 17.30 local time, while Sunday matches will start earlier at 15.30. Notably, doubleheaders will be a special feature exclusively reserved for Saturdays, enhancing the weekend cricketing experience.
Graeme Smith, the League Commissioner, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season and the newly announced fixtures. He emphasized the league’s commitment to providing fans, both old and new, with ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the cricketing fervor. With the Season 2 auction looming on September 27, the excitement and anticipation are palpable, setting the stage for another unforgettable season of SA20 cricket.
