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THREE-HORSE RACE TO PIP PRETORIUS FOR BETWAY SA20 TOP RUN-SCORER
Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram are in contention to overtake Lhuan-dre Pretorius as the leading run-scorer during Betway SA20 Season 3
The Betway SA20 final at the Wanderers between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town is set to be a grand affair.
They are two power-packed teams that are set to thrill at the Bullring.
Along with the gunning for team glory, there will be interesting subplots on the line too with the battle for the leading run-scorer in the competition transformed into a three-way race.
Paarl Royals’ Lhuan-dre Pretorius currently leads with 397 runs at the average of 33.08 and strike-rate of 166.08, but his race is done.
We take a closer look at the contenders set to challenge Pretorius’ tally in the final.
Rassie van der Dussen (Runs: 370, Ave: 52.86, SR: 133.09)
One half of MI Cape Town’s potent opening combination, Van der Dussen has been superb in Season 3. The right-hander has transformed his game by being much more explosive at the start and eager to take on the Powerplay. He is the closest to Pretorius - just 27 runs shy - and will back himself to get MI Cape Town off on the right foot in this final.
Aiden Markram (Runs: 334, Ave: 41.75, SR: 130.47)
It is almost inconceivable to comprehend that Markram has registered three ducks in the competition but yet is still the third leading run-scorer. It clearly shows that when the Sunrisers captain has managed to get a start, he has made it count for his team. His 62 not out in the Eliminator was particularly crucial. Markram is the key wicket for Sunrisers in today’s final and if he is able to pass Pretorius - Markram is 64 runs adrift - there is every likelihood that the hat-trick will be achieved.
Ryan Rickelton (Runs: 303, Ave: 50.05, SR: 175.14)
The leading run-scorer in Season 2 has been bashing out again. Unfortunately, Rickelton missed the first couple of matches for MI Cape Town and is therefore slightly off the pace off 94 runs behind Pretorius. But just as he loves playing at Newlands, he equally enjoys coming back to his provincial homeground, the Wanderers. Rickelton has yet to raise his bat for SA20 century, having been dismissed a couple of times in the 90’s last season, including once at the Bullring. He would love nothing more than to change that with a century, which would also take him past the magical 400-run mark again, to help MI Cape Town lift their maiden championship title.
