The Sunrisers Eastern Cape need to shake off their recent slump of form or they will watch on as the sun sets on their title reign.
The defending champions have gone on a run of two matches without a win, failing to back up their recent fight-back that saw them return back to form with four consecutive wins following their slow start to the competition.
Fortunately for Aiden Markram and his troops, their crunch encounter against Paarl Royals, who have been in red-hot form, will be played at St George’s Park in Gqeberha (1pm start) on Saturday.
They have turned the venue into their fortress, and they will hope to rediscover their form once again in front of the Orange Army, as anything but victory could be the requirement to ensure their passage through to the next round.
The Sunrisers were thumped by 10 wickets by the MI Cape Town, who booked their ticket into the qualifier after they dismissed the Eastern Cape outfit for an average score of 107 in 19.2 overs after being inserted to bat first.
David Bedingham top-scored for the visitors with 45 off 45 balls, but his efforts weren’t enough to guide his side to a competitive total.
But he believes they are still on the right track despite some of their heavy losses.
“I don’t think we have done too badly... we are currently in third place,” Bedingham said after their loss.
“It is just that every time we have lost, we lost pretty badly, and that is probably the nature of the game.
“We would obviously like to be a bit more consistent, and hopefully come the last game, we can get a bit more of that leading up to the play-off games.”
Since his move to the top of the order, Bedingham has found some success, and he has scored a total of 189 runs in nine matches.
The Proteas right-hander added that the wickets haven’t been the easiest to bat on, but as a side, the Sunrisers need to measure their game to the Cape teams in order to find the necessary improvements.
“I found the wickets to be tough, according to the other players. They have said the first two seasons the pitches were a lot better,” Bedingham said.
“We are trying to see off the first two overs, but we are still losing wickets in those overs. It’s been tough, but hopefully we can make it right in the last game.
The efforts never go unnoticed! 💯
— Sunrisers Eastern Cape (@SunrisersEC) January 30, 2025
Craig claims Eddie the Eagle, and Andile steps up as the Riser of the Match. pic.twitter.com/c6J75JbRjZ
“As a batter, you much rather have flatter, nice wickets, but that’s the nature of the game.
“I think you must just adapt, and the teams that have adapted better are Paarl and MI Cape Town, and that is probably why they are set at the top of the table.
“So, hopefully moving forward, we can adapt better.
“I am very confident. I feel that there is enough experience and big enough players to sort this issue out.
“We are three games away from the final, so if we can go on a run, we can hopefully win the competition.”