Photo Credit: SA20 League
The Indian Premier League drew to a dramatic conclusion on Monday evening with Chennai Super Kings edging Gujarat Titans in a pulsating rain-affected final in Ahmedabad.
It was the Super Kings franchise’s fifth IPL crown to draw level with Mumbai Indians.
Throughout the six-week long tournament there were plenty of Betway SA20 stars that displayed their talent and skills. We chose five who blew hot during the Indian summer.
Faf du Plessis (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Runs: 730 runs; Ave: 56.16; SR: 153.68; HS: 84
The Joburg Super Kings captain transferred his excellent Betway SA20 form to the IPL to enjoy his most productive season ever. Du Plessis, almost like a fine wine, just gets better with age as he struck eight half-centuries in 14 innings.Formed potent combinations with Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell.
Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Runs: 448; Ave: 49.77, SR: 177.07; HS: 104
Klaasen enjoyed a breakout IPL season after cementing his place in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s starting XI with some sparkling cameos before bursting into action with his second T20 century in a couple of months. His first century had, of course, come in the Betway SA20 whilst starring for Durban’s Super Giants. Klaasen impressed with his ability to counter spin during the traditionally difficult middle overs.
Kyle Mayers (Lucknow Super Giants)
Runs: 379; Ave: 29.15; SR: 144; HS: 73
After spending the entire previous IPL season in the dugout, Mayers took full advantage of his Durban’s Super Giants opening partner Quinton de Kock’s absence at the beginning of the tournament. He flew out of the blocks with a couple of half-centuries early on, and although his form fell away towards the backend, the West Indies all-rounder had done enough to show that he belonged on the big stage.
Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)
Wickets: 27; Ave: 20.44, Eco: 8.23; BB: 4/30
The MI Cape Town captain once again had a stellar IPL campaign, finishing runners-up to Gujarat Titans teammate Mohammed Shami over the overall wicket-takers list. Rashid showed off his adaptability during this IPL by not only drying up runs in the middle overs, but also taking on the responsibility of bowling in the Powerplay.
Maheesh Theekshana (Chennai Super Kings)
Wickets: 11, Ave: 35.63; Eco: 8.00; BB: 2/23
The Joburg Super Kings mystery spinner formed an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings’ victorious bowling arsenal. Captain MS Dhoni utilised Theekshana in critical stages of the games, and the 22-year-old responded with solid performances.
Name of Author: SA20 League
SA20, officially known as the Betway SA20 for sponsorship reasons, is a Twenty20 franchise cricket tournament in South Africa organized by Cricket South Africa (CSA). First held in the 2023 season, the league features six city-based teams. Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the first two editions of the tournament.
