NEW DELHI: With just 50 days remaining until the much-anticipated SA20 Season 3, cricket legend AB de Villiers has expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournament. Known for his dynamic presence on and off the field, De Villiers believes the third edition of SA20 promises explosive cricket and top-tier entertainment.
As teams gear up for intense battles, the tournament is set to showcase some of the world’s finest T20 talents, captivating fans globally.
De Villiers, the brand ambassador of SA20, highlighted the league’s growing stature and its role in elevating South African cricket, urging fans to brace themselves for action-packed matches and unforgettable moments in this thrilling season.
Two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape will take on MI Cape Town in the opening encounter at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on January 9.
The opening match will once again take place at St George’s Park for the second consecutive year. De Villiers, who holds fond memories of South Africa’s oldest international cricket ground, believes there’s no better venue to kick off an exciting month of cricket action.
“St George’s Park has the best atmosphere of all the grounds I feel. Certainly, during my playing days over there, they got right behind me,” De Villiers quoted as saying in a media release.
“There is nothing better than playing at St George’s Park. With the band there, there is always music in the background. It’s almost like you have earpods in your ears. Dancing to some tunes while you’re playing cricket.”
The home team, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, has been the standout side over the past two seasons, clinching back-to-back titles under the dynamic leadership of coach Adrian Birrell and captain Aiden Markram.
“The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been incredibly successful in SA20 – both seasons’ champions. It is an incredible achievement for them. They will try their absolute best to go three in a row,” De Villiers said.
De Villiers anticipates a thrilling opening game, especially with MI Cape Town strengthening their already formidable squad by adding England Test captain and double white-ball World Cup winner Ben Stokes for Season 3.
“MI Cape Town are a star-studded team. They have been for the past two seasons, and now with the addition of Ben Stokes, makes that side even better,” De Villiers said.
“But it also shows that the best teams don’t always win championships. I do, however, expect a better performance, looking at that line-up on paper, it’s just pure power,” said the former South Africa captain.
De Villiers, who has been part of the SA20 commentary team for the past two seasons, anticipates yet another thrilling month of action-packed cricket and top-notch entertainment in Season 3.
“We are 50 days out of Betway SA20 Season 3,” he said. “We all know there was big hype and excitement in the first two seasons. That’s what I am looking forward to the most: big crowds, everyone coming in to support Betway SA20 Season 3. I am urging everyone to come in and have a lot of fun with us.”
