SA20 2026: MI Cape Town, Joburg Super Kings Favourites – Brevis, Mulder, and Williamson Ones to Watch

The SA20 has revitalised South African domestic cricket. In its three seasons it has achieved something that had become a rarity in South African sport – sold-out stadiums for a domestic cricket match.

The combination of high-quality cricket and big names (local and international) has made the tournament one of the best things to emerge from South African sport in recent years, and is now one of the most high-profile domestic T20 leagues in the world.

Now in its fourth season, it shows no sign of losing this momentum. This year, the season starts tomorrow at Newlands in Cape Town when MI Cape Town takes on Durban’s Super Giants (DSG), the first of 34 matches. The tournament will conclude on 25 January 2026, with the final, also to be held at Newlands.

But what is this season likely to hold?

The main contender for the title remains MI Cape Town. They won the most recent season and retained key core players while adding quality to their squad ahead of 2025–26. Their continuity gives them the edge in cohesion and momentum, which in a short T20 campaign often trumps hype.

Close behind are Joburg Super Kings (JSK). Their owners again invested heavily at auction – notably acquiring Wiaan Mulder – as they chase their first SA20 trophy after having qualified for the playoffs in all three previous editions of the tournament. If Mulder brings the kind of all‑round impact he’s capable of, JSK could finally bridge the gap between contention and victory.

Durban's Super Giants also stand out because of the retention of New Zealand legend, Kane Williamson. His return injects leadership and calm under pressure, a precious asset in T20, where momentum swings quickly. If their bowling attack fires and Williamson anchors the top order, they could upset more fancied teams.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) come into the new season with a strong legacy. They have twice been crowned SA20 champions (2023 and 2024) and were runners‑up in 2025. Their long‑term record shows a win rate around 62.85% across seasons. Their bowling attack remains potent, and if their top order finds consistency – and their bowlers can deliver early strikes – SEC could reclaim strong momentum. We expect them to finish around 2nd or 3rd place.

Paarl Royals have shown flashes of brilliance but struggle with consistency. Their 2025 campaign featured mixed fortunes, with some resounding wins but also heavy losses. Their squad has variety and all‑rounders such as Delano Potgieter and Sikandar Raza give them depth. They can be dangerous on their day but the question will be whether they can deliver regularly under pressure.

Pretoria Capitals have struggled to recapture the peak they showed in the first SA20 season (when they were runners‑up). Their 2025 season ended in 5th place. They have the pieces – experienced players, all‑round depth – but have often under‑performed when cohesion and momentum mattered.

On the players front, a handful look primed for breakout or standout seasons.

Dewald Brevis remains the marquee name – young, fearless, and already proven on global franchise circuits. Analysts rank him among the auction’s top picks, having been picked up for an SA20 record of R16.5 million by the Pretoria Capitals. His ability to accelerate the innings anywhere in the order makes him a genuine match‑winner.

Young wicket‑keeper batter Lhuan‑dre Pretorius also deserves close attention. Having already delivered in the SA20, national, and franchise arenas, he could build on that promise significantly. His team, Paarl Royals, will be hoping that he continues his strong run in white-ball cricket.

MI Cape Town looks good to repeat their triumph of last season, but there is also a good chance that the tournament will have a new winner. JSK and DSG both have the firepower to secure their first SA20 titles but there is little to choose between the six teams.