Rashid Khan credits team effort for maiden SA20 title

MI showed a dominant display with a 76-run win over the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, to deny the two-time winners their hat-trick chase in an entertaining SA20 final at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday night.

Speaking at a post match presser, Khan says he is happy with their 2025 turnaround strategy having finished bottom in the first two seasons.

“Well, I am quite happy. I mean last year and the year before we were bottom of the log around this team. Now coming and finishing top of the table is special. I am happy that we were not depending on one player but everyone contributed towards the team’s success. It is impressive that we got the most points in the group stages, also winning six games with a bonus point. Thanks to the coach for his back up as well,’’ said Khan.

READ: Kagiso Rabada stars as MI Cape Town thump Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20 final

MI won the toss and elected to bat and showed great intent from the outset with Ryan Rickelton’s 33 off 15 balls, to lift his team to 51 within the first five overs.

Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Sunrisers coach Aiden Markram adds to credit MI for a credible run in the tournament, stating that the Cape Town side’s consistency made it difficult for them to retain the title.

‘I thought we fought back in the last five overs, but it was difficult to chase just looking at that bowling attack. Credit to MI for having such a consistent run in the tournament. They had an excellent game plan and they executed well,’’ said Markram.