In an inspiring display of talent and tenacity, a rising star has marked his arrival on the international scene with a 150 runs on ODI debut. In Lahore, against the bowling line of New Zealand . Matthew Breetzke has proved himself ready to take on the best in the world.

A Debut to Remember:

In his ODI debut against New Zealand, LSG player proved that he's a hard hitter at the top level of cricket. Matthew Breetzke played his innings against some of the world's best bowlers and made an impressive knock of 150 runs from 148 balls. That brilliant knock was the turner for his team and showed how the player can play under pressure and in big games.

ALSO SEE :  IPL 2025: Suresh Raina Confirms ,who will Lead RCB check it out!

MATTHEW BREETZKE, TAKE A BOW 🫡

- 150 runs from 148 balls on his ODI Debut against Matt Henry & co at Lahore...!!!!

Waiting for Breetzke in LSG jersey in IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/pCkF79WLky

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 10, 2025

Next for Matthew Breetzke in IPL 2025 !

This exceptional ODI display sets the foundation for much greater things. In his vision going forward, people will look toward his IPL 2025 adventure with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The batting that he displays at international level is going to ensure him as a big-ticket player for LSG in this season. The platform offered by the IPL does give one a chance to unleash explosive players, and with this kind of form, he is likely to make a big splash.

Fans want to see how well he will cope in the high-pressure world of the IPL, and if his ODI debut is anything to go by, there's plenty of excitement ahead.

It was one of the most promising and exciting T20 tournaments to ever feature. Featuring top international and domestic cricketers, SA20  league produce great rivalries and record-breaking performances in a bid to culminate in thriller finals over three seasons. Check out the winners, top batsmen, top bowlers, and prize purse winners of 2025.

SA20 champions from 2023-2025:

SA20 2025 Season more details:

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SA20 2025 Top Performers :

SA20 Price Money Distribution:

SA20 Individual Prize Money:

The SA20 league becoming more popular for its attractive world's best cricketers with highly charged games. MI Cape Town took their first title in 2025, and Sunrisers Eastern Cape became champions in first-two seasons as the competition maintained. Hitting ahead, the SA20 is promising more exhilarating moments, record-breaking performances, and exciting new champions in the coming years.

The  SA20 2025 final is all set to be an exciting affair, with the teams MI Cape Town (MICT) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC).The  Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to watch the clash. SEC is successful team in SAT20, won 2 titles back to back.They will try for a hat-trick titles. On onther hand MI Cape Town is fantastic with is team this year.The Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to watch the big clash between best two teams in SAT20 for third season title.

How  Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town Qualified for Finals:

MI Cape and Sunrisers Eastern Cape are ready to take battle in the final of the SA20 2025 .MI Cape finished in group phases top in the points table, from 10 matches won 7 at 35 points.On other hand finished the SEC finished group phases at third place, from 10 matches won 5 at 24 points.
MI Cape Town will enter the final after comfortably beating Paarl Royals by 39 runs in the Qualifier 1 of the SA20 competiton at St. George's Park.
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape, on the other hand, will head into the final after successfully overcoming Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator clash and powering through the Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2.

Match Details:

Match: SA20 2025 Final between MI Cape Town (MICT) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC).

Date: 8th Feb 2025

Time: 9:00 PM IST

Venue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.

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Pitch Conditions and Weather expected for finals:

The weather expected  clear, and temperatures are around 22°C,expected and It will be a perfect day for cricket. The pitch expected to be generally balanced, which should provide both batsmen and bowlers with something to work and making for an exciting contest in finals.

Live Streaming and Telecast around the world :

India

• Television: Star Sports and Sports18.
• Online Streaming:  Disney+ Hotstar.

Bangladesh

• Online Streaming:  Disney+ Hotstar.
• Television: local sports channel (no official conformation)

Pakistan

• Television: PTV sports.
• Online Streaming:  various local sites.

South Africa

• Television: SuperSport .
• Online Streaming:  DStv Now and Willow TV.

United Kingdom

• Television: Sky Sports .
• Online Streaming:  Sky Go.

Australia

• Television: Fox Cricket .
• Online Streaming:  Kayo Sports.

United States

• Television: Willow TV .
• Online Streaming: Willow TV’s website and app will also allow fans to stream the match.

Canada

• Television: Willow TV .
• Online Streaming: Viewers can stream the match on Willow TV’s platform.

New Zealand

• Television: Sky Sport .
• Online Streaming: Sky Go.

Caribbean

• Television: Flow Sports .
• Online Streaming:  can stream live via Flow Sports’ platform.

Middle East (Africa)

• Television: OSN Sports.
• Online Streaming: OSN's platform will stream.

others countries can also watch in their countries telecast channel.

READ ALSO: CCL 2025: Where & How to Watch the Match online & on tv Live streaming local channels

Match prediction:

This match is high risk to predict,who will be champions. But Sunrisers Eastern Cape has high possibility to win.

Enjoy the big clash in SA20.

In a recent interview, AB de Villiers shared thoughts about a possible return to cricket, bringing excitement to fans. The South African cricketer, known as a legend of the game, is admired for his incredible performances and ability to excel in all formats. Famous for his creative shots, earning him the nickname "360-degree player," de Villiers had an impressive international career that spanned 14 years, from 2004 to 2018, retiring from international cricket at the age of 34. He continued to play in leagues like the IPL until 2021. His recent statement has given fans hope of seeing him back on the field.

AB de Villiers has said that while there's no confirmation yet, he might play cricket again one day. His kids—Abraham, John, and Yente—have been encouraging him to get back into the game. He mentioned that he might join them in the nets and play some casual cricket, but not at the professional level like the IPL or SA tours. De Villiers explained that he’s done with the pressure of high-level cricket and now just wants to enjoy the game with his kids.

Also Read: BCCI Questions Sanju Samson's Commitment: “Why Didn’t You Join the Camp If KCA Asked You To?”

He made it clear that he’s not considering a return to major tournaments like the IPL. Instead, he’s focused on enjoying a more relaxed experience, where he can play without pressure. His aim is to reconnect with his love for cricket in a casual setting, simply for the joy of it.

When you realise you’ve been well and truly stumped by @ABdeVilliers17! I wasn’t expecting this. Don’t miss our full chat:
🎥 https://t.co/6seW3XjMy1
📻 https://t.co/q1nVLTNrat pic.twitter.com/AhTOPRclD2

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 21, 2025

In 2024, AB de Villiers was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, and back in 2019, he was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Decade (2010-2020), alongside cricketing legends like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Dale Steyn, and Ellyse Perry. Throughout his career, de Villiers established himself as one of the game's greatest players. His remarkable record includes the fastest ODI century in 2015 against the West Indies, where he also set the record for the fastest fifty in ODI cricket, achieving it in just 16 balls during the same innings. In total, he scored 22 centuries in Test cricket and 25 in ODIs.

Also Read: Steve Smith sustains an injury to his elbow ahead of the Sri Lanka Tour

AB de Villiers has scored over 20,000 international runs in his career and played 114 Test matches, making him one of the finest cricketers ever. Known for his exceptional skill and versatility, he has an average of over 50 in both Test cricket and ODIs. Throughout his career, he has consistently been regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time due to his remarkable records and match-winning performances across formats.

South Africa Sports Minister Calls for Boycott of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

McKenzie is an advocate for keeping Afghanistan out of global sports competitions because the country's leaders are violating human rights. Ever since the Taliban took over in August 2021, things have become very bad there. They're greatly reducing what women can do or learn, and people around the world are very angry about it.

McKenzie's remarks are in line with those of British politicians who have urged England to reconsider playing Afghanistan in the tournament. Both England and South Africa are placed in the same group as Afghanistan for the One Day International (ODI) competition. This grouping has amplified calls for both teams to withdraw from fixtures, as the international community pressures countries to take a stand against Afghanistan’s regressive policies towards women. The Champions Trophy, one of the premier events in international cricket, is set to begin next month in Pakistan. As the debate over the boycott continues to gather momentum, it remains to be seen whether other nations will follow suit, demanding action over Afghanistan’s controversial stance on women's rights.

South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed strong opposition to his country’s scheduled match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 21 in Karachi. McKenzie stated that while the final decision on whether to boycott the fixture lies with the cricketing authorities, he would personally advocate for a boycott if it were up to him.

ALSO READ: 'Don't see Rohit Sharma going to England' - Adam Gilchrist foresees bleak future for the Indian skipper in Test cricket

🚨 SPORTS MINISTER CALLS FOR BOYCOTT IN CT 2025. 🚨

- South African Sports Minister wants South Africa to boycott the match against Afghanistan to take a firm stand with women. pic.twitter.com/TYWh6ZAcw7

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 9, 2025

South Africa's Sports Minister Urges Boycott of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Over Women's Rights

“It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen,” McKenzie said, underscoring his firm stance against Afghanistan's participation in the tournament. Both England and South Africa are placed in the same group as Afghanistan for the One Day International (ODI) competition, leading to growing pressure to withdraw from the fixtures in response to the Taliban government's harsh treatment of women's rights since they regained power in August 2021.

The South African team is set to face Afghanistan in their opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi on February 21. McKenzie, reflecting on South Africa's own history of Apartheid, further emphasized the moral dilemma at hand. “As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during Apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done towards women anywhere in the world,” he added

This call for action has been echoed by more than 160 British politicians, who have signed a cross-party letter urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott England’s fixture against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26. In response, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has called for a consistent, unified approach from all member nations regarding Afghanistan's involvement in international cricket. Australia is also scheduled to play Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore. Cricket Australia had previously postponed a bilateral men’s T20 series against Afghanistan in March 2023, citing the deteriorating human rights situation for women and girls under Taliban rule. However, Cricket Australia did play Afghanistan in both the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in June. 

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird defended his organization’s stance last month, stating that they were "very proud of the position we’ve taken." Despite facing accusations of hypocrisy, he reiterated that they were standing by their decision to take a firm stand on the issue. As the Champions Trophy draws near, the debate over Afghanistan’s participation continues to intensify, with more nations being urged to make their stance clear on the matter.

As we fast approach the kick-off of the third SA20 edition on January 9, former Proteas great and ongoing SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith voiced his displeasure regarding the existence of several lucrative T20 franchise leagues. He opines that the existence of such leagues does more harm than good to the game. 

Most notable of them all is the ILT20 which is expected to commence on January 11. The UAE-based T20 franchise league is set to directly have a clash with SA20. The former South African captain argued that the SA20 offers a lot in driving the standards of the South African domestic cricket system to a respectable standard unlike the ILT20, whose popularity revolves solely around the existence of foreign players.  

See also: Watch: N Jagadeesan blasts a 29-run over against Rajasthan

So what sets SA20 apart from ILT20?

SA20 has taken a leave out of IPL's book wherein it is allowed to have a maximum of four overseas players in the playing eleven. But the picture is a lot different when we talk about team combinations in the ILT20. In this league, a team is allowed to field a maximum of nine international players in a lineup. In addition, all six SA20 squads are restricted to 19 players, must contain a minimum of 11 South African players, and international places in the squads are limited to seven. This stands in sharp contrast with the ILT20 wherein at least two UAE players are included in the playing XI and four in the squad overall.

Smith stresses that this very philosophy sets SA20 apart from the rest of the other leagues including the ILT20. His main goal is to drive the upliftment and growth of South African domestic players and wants the local players to be closely involved with this league. 

"We see ourselves as very different to the ILT20. We're a South African league, with a majority of South African players and our ultimate goal is to benefit South African players."

Furthermore, he openly criticizes ILT20 and highlights their core issue of not incorporating adequate home-grown players into the tournament. Measures like these can prove detrimental and can hurt the global perception of the game.

"We've been built up against ILT20, so it's very difficult for me to not come across like I'm bad-mouthing them, but I do feel like a league like that is not good for the game; that there's that many international players required to build a team; there's no investment back into local cricket. That is a challenge for the world game and something that needs to be managed going forward."

Smith's long-term vision for SA20 and domestic cricket

For Smith, SA20 is all about offering a platform where both local and international players are given their fair share of chances to shine on the big stage.  Being a full-member nation, prioritizing the global aspect of the league comes first but at the same time, they can't overlook the aspect of nurturing the local players and the domestic system.

Smith is focused on building SA20 to the point where it is recognized as one of the biggest leagues outside the IPL. The marquee event has attracted several high-profile talents from different corners of the world and the quality of cricket has been top-notch ever since its inception in 2023 thus attracting huge chunks of crowd. 

South Africa is hosting a two-match Test series against Pakistan, with Pakistan touring as visitors. South Africa already won the first Test match and leads the series 1-0. They have also qualified for the WTC final, but they are still showing their dominance in the second Test. This match is being played at Cape Town, where the pitch suits the batters more.

In their first innings of the second Test, South Africa’s batting lineup dominated Pakistan’s bowlers on their home soil. Even though the top-order batters Markram, Mulder, and Stubbs failed to make big contributions, captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton put on a brilliant 235-run partnership. Rickelton reached his century during the second session on Day 1, and soon after, Bavuma followed him, bringing up his century in the third session. Bavuma got out for 106 runs at the end of Day 1, but Rickelton remained unbeaten, ready to continue on Day 2.

On the second day, Rickelton started with David Bedingham, but Bedingham couldn’t last long in the morning session. After his dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne joined Rickelton at the crease. Verreynne played an aggressive knock, scoring 100 runs, which included five huge sixes. He shared a 148-run partnership with Rickelton, and what stood out was how Verreynne dominated during this stand, showcasing his power-hitting ability.

The highlight of the innings, however, was Ryan Rickelton’s magnificent 259 runs. His innings included 29 fours and 3 sixes, completely dismantling Pakistan’s bowling attack. Pakistan’s prime bowlers had a tough time, with four of their five main bowlers conceding over 100 runs. Even Mohammad Abbas, who gave away 94 runs, couldn’t escape the punishment. It was a nightmare for Pakistan’s bowlers as South Africa piled on the runs.

Read Also:WATCH: Tim Seifert smashes a monstrous six that goes out of the park off Marcus Stoinis in BBL 2024-25.

Toward the end of the innings, Marco Jansen (62 runs) and Keshav Maharaj (40 runs) added valuable runs with their cameos. Their contributions helped South Africa reach a massive total of 615 runs in their first innings.

Pakistan started their innings under pressure, facing a huge deficit. The pitch looked good for batting, but South Africa’s quality bowling attack made things tough for Pakistan. By the end of Day 2, Pakistan was struggling at 64 for 3, still trailing by 551 runs. Captain Babar Azam was unbeaten on 31, while Mohammad Rizwan was batting on 9. Pakistan faces an uphill battle to get back into the match.

The T20I format of cricket has always been one such game mode that has enthralled fanatics. 2024 served a high dose of cricket's high-octane action in the shortest format. The year saw India's wait for an ICC title end, with the Men in Blue getting their hands on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup when they beat South Africa in a memorable final in Barbados.

Also, it does not take away the fact that many underdogs have shined on the international stage, and new arsenals have a new platform to give it all in the sport of cricket. Overall, the year has seen the format's evolution in the most optimistic ways possible.

That said, from the house of Cricket Winner, here we present to you the Playing XI of the Year, the 2024 edition. 

In the realms of cricket, the test format has always been the one that has a chance to see the real fanatics of the game. The red-ball format does test the spectators' patience to an extent, but even with a single delivery or batting stroke, it has an enormous potential to turn the game's tables.

With the forthcoming third edition of the World Test Championship coming next year, this year's test matches have been about scalping the final two spots for the coveted ICC title. That said, here's a rewind of the best red-ball campaigners in the form of Cricket Winner Test Team of the Year 2024.

The 35-year-old veteran pacer Dane Paterson hit the ground running at St George's Park in Gqeberha where he registered his career-best 7-104 to power South Africa to a resounding 109-win in the second Test. He was roped in to replace an injured Gerald Coetzee and walked into the second Test averaging well over 36 with only 12 wickets in five matches. Not known for his ability to generate express pace or swing, Paterson was not a major threat Sri Lanka would have expected to contend with before the start of the first Test. 

However, as fate would have, he emerged as the unlikely hero for South Africa in the second Test. His ground-breaking five-wicket haul in the first innings, followed by figures of 2-33 helped South Africa conclude the Test series on a high and bolster their chances of securing their maiden spot in the WTC final. His three-wicket burst inside the space of one over played a crucial role in helping South Africa eke out a crucial 30-run lead which in turn paved the way for an emphatic win for his side. After the match, his figures improved drastically as his average dropped to 28 whilst his strike rate lowered to 58.6.

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Paterson lashes out at his critics over his selection

Prior to his heroic exploits at St George's Park, Paterson came under intense scrutiny as many experts were skeptical about his place in the team. Against an underwhelming Test record, the veteran pacer became a prime target of several media houses. Following the conclusion of the second Test, Paterson was awarded the "Player of the Match" award and that was the very moment when the Cape Town-born pacer wasted no time in answering his critics with a befitting tweet on his Twitter account which read as follows:

Hi to all the haters that doubted my selection. This one is for you. Thanks for all the negative comments about my selection. At the end of the day it’s not about you. It’s about the team. @PoppingCreaseSA please relook at my first class stats before having a GO at me. Cheers🍺 pic.twitter.com/bsQSoTHGhj

— Dane Paterson (@DanePaterson44) December 9, 2024

Furthermore, he also tagged a sports journalist in his post advising them to revisit his first-class stats before making premature assessments about his capabilities. Paterson was pumped up after his maiden five-wicket haul and was happy to win a game for his side in such a crucial encounter. He went on to laud Rickelton, Bavuma, and Maharaj who performed well in certain passages of play. 

More about Dane Paterson

Paterson has over 166 FC games under his belt and has accumulated 603 wickets at a remarkable average of 23.67 which includes his best figures of 10/62. In addition, the 35-year-old also has 18 four-wicket hauls & 23 five-wicket hauls to his name as well. Paterson burst into the international stage when he made his Test debut against England in 2020 and has since then featured in six Tests, four of which came in this year alone.