Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Tristan Stubbs admitted he is still processing his team's remarkable victory in the SA20 2025-26 final, saying the moment feels surreal as they claimed a thrilling title win over Pretoria Capitals.
Chasing 159 in the final, Sunrisers looked in trouble early at 48/4 before Stubbs and Matthew Breetzke steadied the ship with an unbeaten 114-run partnership. Their stand shifted the momentum and ultimately carried the SEC to their third SA20 crown in four seasons.
Stubbs,
visibly elated after the match, could only smile when describing the team’s unexpected turnaround. The right-hander played a captain’s knock when his team needed him the most.
"So stoked. Can't explain it. I don't know what we did or how we did it, but just like we actually did it type thing. It was pretty awesome,” said Stubbs.
The captain admitted that Breetzke and he tried to remain calm under pressure, as they were in deep trouble after a top-order collapse. The duo built a strong partnership of 114 runs off 65 balls, that seal the championship.
"We know we bat so well together, and we kept looking for an over to just get momentum. Fortunately, that only came in the 16th [17th] over. Then we just ran with it from there. Funny things happen under pressure," said Stubbs reflecting on their championship-winning partnership.
Stubbs also credited the collective effort behind the SEC’s success, acknowledging the experienced bowling unit and senior players who helped guide the team through the tournament and into the final.
"I've really enjoyed this month. I've had a great group to work with. We've planned really well for games. The bowlers are really experienced, so it's been easy. Me and Quinny(Quinton de Kock) have had this great thing going where we channelled a lot of the bowling changes. It's been a whole team effort. The senior players have been awesome. It's awesome to finish like this,” the winning captain concluded.
For Stubbs, this title holds extra significance, as it is his first SA20 crown as captain, having been part of the squad in previous seasons.
‘We feel the hurt’ - Keshav Maharaj reflects on Capitals’ loss
The Pretoria Capitals Keshav Maharaj gave his assessment on the Capitals’ loss in the final. It was a hard-fought loss for them. While the spinner rued missed chances, he promised to take lessons from them and move on.
"It's a could've, should've, would've type of situation. The boys will hurt for a bit. I am not someone who dwells on the negative. Last eight games, we won five, so we can draw a lot of inspiration from that. In pressure games, in games we needed to win, we found a way to win. Lots of inspiration to be drawn. We have to rectify the mistakes if we want to compete with the best and win trophies as a unit,” he concluded.
SEC’s de Kock was named Player of the Series for his 390-run campaign.
