ABELL KEEN FOR SUNRISERS TO START WINNING HABIT

Tom Abell arrived at Newlands today having been the star of the show for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in their previous match against Durban’s Super Giants.

During DSG’s innings, 29-year-old Englishman pulled off one of the most impressive fielding efforts of the season to date, leaping high to save a 6 (or so he thought). Abell then played a rapid-fire knock of 65 off 36 to give SEC a chance of chasing down DSG’s 225.

“The gameplan was laid out for us chasing almost 230 - you have to be positive right throughout. We were pretty clear in our intent and you always had to put the bowlers under pressure. It was obviously nice to have a partnership with Aiden [Markram] – it felt at times like we had the momentum back in our favour. But we probably lost a few too many wickets to cash in at the back end.”

Looking to the match this evening, Abell immediately recalled his last visit to Newlands.

“I’m naturally really excited about the game, in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. It was a fantastic game last year, I think Marco [Jansen] had an unbelievable result and hopefully we can repeat that – I’m looking forward to the game.”

Abell’s ambition was also clear: “It’s obviously a big game for us, particularly because of the game the other night where we came second. So it’s important we get back to winning ways… winnings a habit so hopefully we can start tonight.”