2025 SA20 Champions MI Cape Town celebrate
After finishing bottom of the table in two consecutive seasons with star-studded teams featuring the likes of Kagiso Rabada, MI Cape Town needed a dramatic makeover. Coach Robin Peterson took decisive steps to rebuild the team, bringing in Dane Piedt. Although Piedt only played one game this season, his character played a massive role behind the scenes in fostering a positive team environment.
The pivotal moment for MI Cape Town came when they secured the services of Rashid Khan, a player who missed the second season due to injury. Having captained the team in its first season with little success, Khan returned with a point to prove and the leadership qualities to rally the squad.
This season, everything fell into place for MI Cape Town as they recorded six bonus point victories, topped the group stage standings, and ultimately triumphed over the two-time champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, in the final at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday night.
Reflecting on the season, Khan highlighted the collective effort of the squad.
“Last year and the year before, we were bottom of the table, and then coming up finishing at the top of the table and then winning the final,” Khan said after lifting the trophy in Johannesburg.
“I think we got the most points in the group stages as well. Winning six games with a bonus point, I think it's unbelievable. This shows how everyone contributed to the win, and I'm so happy with the way we have contributed as a team.”
Khan emphasised the importance of each player's contributions, no matter how small.
“It's not like we're depending on one or two guys. Overall, everyone is contributing – whether it’s taking one wicket or scoring 15 runs, it's crucial for the team at that time. Credit goes to each and everyone, the way that we got the support from the head coach Robbie, and the way they kept the environment was something very special.”
MI Cape Town also enjoyed tremendous support throughout the season, with the Newlands faithful selling out all five home matches and creating an electric atmosphere inside the stadium.
For Khan, who communicated the team’s ambition to perform for the people of Cape Town from the day before the tournament opener, this season has certainly delivered, culminating in consistently impressive performances and, most importantly, their first-ever SA20 silverware.
Cape Times
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