WHY SUNRISERS WILL FEEL AT HOME IN QUALIFIER 1

When Qualifier 1 of Betway SA20 Season 4 rolls into Kingsmead, local fans will be treated to more than just high-stakes Playoffs cricket.

The clash will bring a special kind of electricity to Durban, not just because it’s knockout time - but because a number of Sunrisers Eastern Cape players have deep-rooted connections to the city and its famous ground which hosts a Playoffs fixture for the first time.

Matthew Breetzke – Made in Gqeberha, polished in Durban

Born and bred in Gqeberha, Matthew Breetzke might not be a Durbanite by origin, but Durban is where he came of age. His 658 runs for Durban’s Super Giants in the first three seasons of SA20 lit up Kingsmead, earning him national recognition and a key role with the Sunrisers - highlighted by the R6.1-million they spent at the 2025 Player Auction on him (the sixth-highest fee of the day). For fans who saw his rise firsthand, this is a homecoming of sorts.

Quinton de Kock – A king at Kingsmead

No name resonates louder in Durban’s cricket circles than Quinton de Kock. It was at Kingsmead where he captained the Super Giants during SA20’s inaugural season and became a local favourite. Expect the crowd to erupt if when he strides out to open for the Sunrisers especially with the form he is in.

'QDK' has the second-most runs of Season 4 (328), most fifties (4) and leads the MVP rankings which determines the Betway Player of the Season award.

Chris Green – Back where it Began

Chris Green might own an Australia T20I cap, but Durban is where his story started. Born in the city before moving Down Under, Green returns to his birthplace as a late addition to Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s spin attack. His starring performance on debut secured the team’s Qualifier 1 spot and adds extra spice to this homecoming.

CJ King – A rising star with Durban links

Another to watch is CJ King, the allrounder from Johannesburg who was signed as a Rookie by Durban’s Super Giants in Season 3. While his SA20 career is still in its infancy, he has already walked the Kingsmead outfield as one of DSG’s young talents - now he returns on the opposing side, eager to help his team to a fourth straight final.

Senuran Muthusamy – Durban through and through

Few players are more Durban than Senuran Muthusamy. Schooled at Clifton School and a product of the provincial Dolphins system, Muthusamy has flourished into a versatile international cricketer.

His spin bowling and calm presence reflect the grit and class Durban cricket is known for. Playing at his hometown ground, expect a loud cheer when his name is announced.

With so many ties to Durban cricket and the Kingsmead faithful, Sunrisers Eastern Cape may be the “away” side on paper - but on match day, it’s going to feel like home. For fans of local talent, this is a can’t-miss occasion.

Get to Kingsmead and back your boys in orange ... some of them are very much yours.