Pretoria Capitals played against Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the Final of the SA 20 League at Wanderers Stadium in Sandton where Sunrisers Eastern Cape won their maiden League trophy by chasing down the target of 136 runs. Aiden Markram led his team to the precious South Africa T20 League Trophy.
SA 20 League Final: Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Match Report:
SA 20 League Final: Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape Image - ESPN Cricinfo
Sunrisers Skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bowl first. Eastern Cape's Slow arm pacer Roelof van der Merwe demolished the batting lineup of the opposition by claiming 4 crucial wickets. not a single player from the Capitals was able to stand against the bowling attack of the Eastern Cape. They bowled out for 135 runs in 19.3 overs. Jansen & Markram both shared 1 wicket each while Magala & Baartman both claimed 2 wickets each.
Roelof van der Merwe enjoying his spell in the Final Image - ESPN Cricinfo
Coming down to bat, Adam Rossington started fireworks for the Eastern Capre side and almost made it one way. He smashed 57 runs in just 30 deliveries with 4 fours and 5 sixes. Anrich Nortje dismissed his innings and the middle order succumbed. Jordan Hermann & Aiden Markram tried to make it easy but the batsmen couldn't handle the pressure of the opposition bowling attack. It went down to the 17th over as Marco Jansen's 13 runs cameo clinches the win for the Eastern Cape. They won the match and the League by 4 Wickets.
Adam Rossington 57 in 30 balls Image - ESPN Cricinfo
Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)
Discover who's dominating the charts for most sixes in T20 internationals in 2025 so far. Get the latest six-hitting stats for men's and women's category in the game of cricket.
The T20I circuit in 2025 has already seen an explosion of sixes from both men and women. In a fast-paced format like this, only players with exceptional hitting abilities thrive.
From established names to emerging talents, here comes the list of most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far. See who has consistently cleared the ropes, smashing the ball out of the field of play for a six!
Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (Men's)
Abhishek Sharma hitting a flat six while representing India in T20Is. Image | Starbiopic
It is impressive to see players from nations not widely considered as cricketing powerhouses making their way up in the six-hitting charts. For instance, Karanbir Singh of Austria is leading the list with 40 sixes in 2025 so far.
Other players like Jermaine Baker and Yuvraj Samra are also ahead of the list from the worldwide cricket giants. Then comes the emerging star of India, Abhishek Sharma, who seals the 4th place with 24 sixes in just 5 innings and has the potential to move further on top.
Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (Women's)
Deandra Dottin hitting the ball out of the ground for a six during a T20I match. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The West Indies power-hitter Deandra Dottin is currently leading the charts with 12 sixes in only 3 innings in WT20Is. This is not a surprise coming from the player with the record of fastest century in T20Is.
Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century
Sachin Tendulkar leads the inspiring list of youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century, with his unbeaten 119 against England in 1990. Discover who else achieved this milestone at an young age.
Every young cricketer dreams of scoring a century for their nation on an international stage. But for a precious few, that dream became a jaw-dropping reality early in their careers.
India has been gifted with such memorable centuries by youngsters who later turned out to be cricketing legends. We are talking about Sachin Tendulkar and his unmatched legacy in the list of the youngest Indians to score an international century.
Check out the other names that follow up with their quality batting skills.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (17 years 107 days) | 1990
Saching Tendulkar getting praised by fellow cricketers as he walks down after his unbeaten 119 against ENG in 1990. | Mint
Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest Indian cricketer ever and the 3rd youngestoverall to score an international century with his maiden century at Old Trafford, in August 1990. At just 17 years and 107 days old, he scored an unbeaten 119 in the fourth innings, helping India to save the Test match against England.
Sachin not only announced his arrival on the global stage with this knock, but also helped India secure a draw in the test.
Prithvi Shaw celebrating his maiden Test century in 2018. Image | Instagram
Prithvi Shaw became the youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut and the second-youngest in this list of international centuries with his knock against the West Indies in October 2018. He was only 18 years and 329 days old at that time.
He reached his hundred in 99 balls and scored 134 runs in that innings, which marked a spectacular test debut.
3. Kapil Dev (20 years 18 days) | 1979
Kapil Dev representing India in tests. Image | Khel Now
India's legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev, holds the third place with his century against the West Indies on home soil in 1979. It was his first test century, at the age of 20 years and 18 days. He was 126 not out in the particular innings.
4. Abbas Ali Baig (20 years 126 days) | 1959
Abbas Ali Baig representing India. Image | Getty Images
Abbas Ali Baig scored his first test century at the age of 20 years and 126 days against England in July 1959. This made him the first Indian to score a century on Test debut outside India and the fourth youngest centurion in this elite list.
Apart from his brilliant achievements in the field of cricket, he is also famously remembered for being kissed by a female fan during a Test match in Bombay.
Madhav Apte batting in a cricket match. Image | Facebook
The former Indian test opener, Madhav Apte, scored his only test century at the age of 20 years 137 days in January 1953 against the West Indies. He made 163 not out in the fifth test of the series.
Despite the impressive century and a good tour, his Test career was surprisingly short-lived, playing only 7 tests.
6. Ajay Ratra (20 years 148 days) | 2002
Ajay Ratra representing India in tests. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Ajay Ratra is a former wicket-keeper batter who also had a short-lived test career, comprising 6 test matches. However, he scored an impactful century at only 20 years and 148 days of age, which puts him in the 6th place for the youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.
He scored this in May 2002 against the West Indies and helped India secure a draw on a flat pitch.
7. Ravi Shastri (20 years 248 days) | 1983
Ravi Shastri in action for India in tests. Image | BBC
Ravi Shastri scored his first test century in January 1983 at the age of 20 years and 248 days. He scored 128 in that innings against Pakistan's strong pace attack led by Imran Khan.
This innings transitioned him into an opening batsman, showcasing his finest skills and ability to adapt.
Vijay Manjrekar playing for India. Image| ESPNcricinfo
Vijay Manjrekar delivered a key performance on the international stage early in his career with his Test century against England in 1952. At the age of 20 years and 253 days, he stood elegantly against a great English bowling attack.
9. Gundappa Viswanath (20 years 276 days) | 1969
Gundappa Viswanath representing India in tests. Image | LatestLY
Gundappa Viswanath holds the 9th position with his maiden Test century against Australia in 1969, when he was 20 years and 276 days old. After a duck in his first innings, he bounced back with a magnificent 136 runs in the second innings.
This knock brought him into the limelight at an early age, and also helped the nation see his ability to score underpressure.
Rishabh Pant celebrating his maiden Test century in 2018 against England. Image | DNA
Rishabh Pant's aggressive and fearless approach came into light with his maiden Test century at 20 years and 338 days of age, making his way to the Top 10 youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.
With this performance in 2018, Pant also became the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a test century in England.
Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025?
After a disastrous IPL campaign with 13.73 average, the entire nation has this one question to ask: Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025? Read to know more.
The 2025 IPL season has delivered a brutal reality check for Rishabh Pant. After being picked up by LSG for 27 crore, he turned out to be the most expensive flop of this season.
Can a player sustain an international career after such disappointing performance? Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025?
Let's dive into the cold facts.
The disappointing IPL 2025 numbers
Rishabh Pant slipping down the pitch during a match in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Rishabh Pant was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants as the most expensive player in IPL history for ₹27 crore, which proved to be totally not worth it. He only managed to score 151 runs in 13 matches with an average of 13.73 and a strike rate barely crossing 107.
He is the lowest scorer among all the LSG batters in IPL 2025. Apart from batting performance, he also failed as a captain. The team only won 6 matches out of 13 and lost their playoffs berth under Pant's captaincy.
Pant's questionable descision-making, poor shot selections, and a complete lack of form did not justify the big price tag ahead in the auction.
The T20I context: India's current pool and future outlook
Rishabh Pant's position is now critically questionable as India's T20 squad selection prioritizes consistency in batting, high strike rates, and adaptable wicket-keeping.
The current pool of contenders are highly competitive and has the potential to outperform Pant.
KL Rahul: His current form in IPL 2025 is magnificent and he has consistently performed well for the team. Rahul's ability to anchor and accelerate has again brought him into T20I contention.
Sanju Samson: Yet another prime contender with high experience and quality performance. He also holds the ability to blend well into the format.
Dhruv Jurel: A promising young talent who also has the ability to make impactful finish for the team.
Ishan Kishan: The pocket dynamo who started his IPL 2025 season with a phenomenal century, and gained his spot in BCCI's central contract (2025), is another strong contender.
Where Rishabh Pant fits (or doesn't fit):
Rishabh Pant playing for team India in T20Is. Image | TOI
Following the poor performance of Rishabh Pant, several known names have speculated about his mental state and his inability to deal pressure. The former Indian cricketer, Kris Srikkanth, also suggested that Pant should consider taking a break from his format.
The modern T20 format demands a lot of things that Pant is completely missing:
Insufficient strike rate
Lack of clarity in shot-making
Inability to convert build innings
Diminished reliability as wicketkeeper-batter
No longer an unique left-handed power option
Difficulty handling run-rate pressure
Pant is missing the "X-factor" that he once possessed. Therefore, unless his form significantly improves soon and makes a comeback, his T20 career is effectively over.
Esha Oza currently holds the record for most centuries in WT20Is, with four centuries in the format. Explore the list of players with such century records!
Scoring a century in any form of cricket is a moment of glory, but in the fast-paced format of T20s, it gets more exciting to watch. Numerous cricketers have consistently proved themselves in this format by delivering spectacular tons.
The list goes deep as we have such power-hitters from around the globe!
Join us as we explore the list of players with most centuries in WT20Is and celebrate their glorious innings.
1. Esha Oza (4 centuries) | UAE
Esha Oza in action against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2024. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The current captain of UAE, Esha Oza, holds the record for most centuries in WT20Is with 4 centuries in her T20 career so far. This Indian-born cricketer made her debut in T20Is in 2018 and reached this milestone extremely fast.
She is also the fastest player from UAE to reach 1000 runs in T20Is. Her fourth century in T20Is came against Qatar in the Asia Cup qualifier, where she led her team to a brilliant victory.
Chamari Athapaththu celebrating her 113 off 66 balls against Australia in 2019. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Chamari Athapaththu, the current captain of Sri Lanka national team, holds the 2nd position in this list with her 3 centuries in WT20Is. She is one of the finest cricketers from Sri Lanka and led them to win the 2024 Asia Cup.
Chamari scored her first hundred in T20Is in 2019 against Australia. She scored the other following centuries in 2024 against Scotland and Malaysia.
Fatuma Kibasu celebrating her century in 2019. Image | Facebook
The former captain of Tanzania, Fatuma Kibasu, holds the 3rd position with her 3 centuries in WT20Is. She is the only Tanzanian woman to score a century at international level so far, and holds the highest individual score for her country in WT20Is.
Fatuma made her T20 debut in 2019 and played magnificently ever since!
A sinking tale of playoffs: Can LSG make it to the top 4 in IPL 2025?
Currently in 7th position with 10 points, LGS's playoff hopes are indeed a sinking tale. Their struggle to build momentum left the fans with one BIG question; can LSG make it to the top 4 in IPL 2025?
After a promising start, Lucknow Super Giants' 2025 IPL campaign started to sink, leaving slim chances for playoff qualification.
Find out what went wrong and everyone's answer to the ultimate question: Can LSG make it to the top 4 in IPL 2025?
LSG in IPL 2025 so far
Nicholas Pooran during his 61 runs off 38 balls against GT in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
LSG won 5 matches out of 11 played so far, with a poor net run rate of -0.469 and 10 points. They had a decent start to the tournament with players like Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi stepping out for the team.
They struggled to build momentum later on in the tournament, which led them to just 1 victory in their last 5 matches.
Net Run Rate (NRR): -0.469, which is the worst among the top seven teams
What exactly went wrong?
Rishabh Pant after his dismissal in their crushing defeat by 37 runs against PBKS. Image | Facebook
The following factors significantly disrupted LSG's gameplay, which resulted in their miserable position for the playoffs:
Rishabh Pant's poor form: Captain Rishabh Pant is having a disappointing season with the bat, which has practically crushed the team's backbone. He managed to score only 128 runs in 11 innings with a strike rate below 100.
Inconsistent top-order: The opening pair, despite having good individual performances, haven't consistently fired together.
Middle-order Reliance: Players like Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad have shown brilliance in some matches, but they weren't enough to carry the team forward after their regular collapse of top order.
Bowling Inconsistencies: LSG's bowling attack has failed with their execution in matches, and was seen struggling to contain the batters in the death overs.
Poor Fielding: They dropped catches at crucial times in the game, which cost them heavily. Additionally, the players could have saved more runs with more on-field efforts.
Playoff scenario and hopes for a miraculous comeback
LSG after their disappointing defeat against MI by 54 runs in IPL. Image | Pinterest
LSG currently has a huge burden of net run rate, which can have a damaging impact even if they win their 3 remaining matches in IPL 2025. They can reach a maximum of 16 points to end the group stage.
In IPL, ending with 16 points would promise a place in the top 4, but the scenario for LSG is different this year. Additionally, they will also need other factors to be in their favour.
Factors and mathematical possibilities
The chances are slim, but here's what they need to consider for qualification:
Last 3 hurdles: They have 3 remaining matches to play with RCB (9th May), GT (14th May), and SRH (18th May).
Wins required: LSG must win all three matches with huge margins to make their NRR better.
Reliance on otherteams: They will need to depend on other teams to lose which will be beneficial for them in case of tie-breakers of same points. The team having a better NRR will eventually qualify.
Elimination Scenario: LSG will be eliminated from IPL 2025 playoff contention if they lose a single match. They will also lose their chances of being in the top-4 if rain washes away any of their matches.