Last Updated on 3 months ago by Charbel Coorey
The 26th match of SA20 2025/26 will be played between the MI Cape Town (MICT) and the Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) at Newlands, Cape Town, on 16th January 2026 at 9 PM IST.
MI Cape Town lost their last game by 53 runs against the Pretoria Capitals. They’re at the bottom of the points table with only two wins in eight games. Their batters have done a good job, but the bowlers failed to pick wickets consistently, and it reflects in their position on the table.
They are already out of the playoffs race despite having some of the best names in T20 cricket around the globe. MI will look to win their last two games (including this one) and end the season on a positive note. Kieron Pollard has replaced Rashid Khan for the last two games. One of Pollard or Nicholas Pooran will lead the franchise for the last two matches.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape are second in the points table with four wins in eight games. They defeated the Joburg Super Kings by 61 runs in their last game. Quinton de Kock (51 runs) continued his good form and James Coles (61* runs and 2 wickets) showed his class. SEC’s batters have been in top form and all of them have contributed towards their success till now.
Their bowlers have been in excellent form as well. Anrich Nortje has picked up wickets for fun while Adam Milne has assisted him well. Marco Jansen’s average will be a concern for them.
SA20 2025/26 26th Match: MICT vs SEC Probable Playing XIs
MI Cape Town: 1. Rassie van der Dussen, 2. Ryan Rickelton, 3. Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), 4. Jason Smith, 5. Kieron Pollard, 6. George Linde, 7. Corbin Bosch, 8. Karim Janat, 9. Tiaan van Vuuren/Dane Piedt/Tristan Luus, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Trent Boult
Sunrisers Eastern Cape: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Matthew Breetzke, 4. Jordan Hermann, 5. Tristan Stubbs (c), 6. James Coles, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Lewis Gregory, 9. Senuran Muthusamy, 10. Adam Milne, 11. Anrich Nortje
Newlands Cape Town Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score at Newlands in 2025 (T20s) was 179 runs. This clearly indicates that it’s a batting venue, and the batters enjoy their time here. The new ball will move around a bit for the pacers, and wrist spinners have found success at this venue. Teams are expected to prefer chasing.
A clear day is expected, with the temperature being around 18-19 degrees Celsius at the start of the game.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for MICT vs SEC: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:
- Nicholas Pooran has 133 runs in seven innings this season at an average of 19.33. He has been in poor form in SA20 2025-26, but he’s a class player, and expect a big knock from him before the season ends. Try him as C/VC in some of your teams.
- Ryan Rickelton is currently the highest run-scorer of the tournament with 324 runs in seven innings at an average of 54, striking at 167.01 with two centuries to his name. He’s been in red-hot form, scoring runs for fun. Rickelton will be a top C/VC option.
- Quinton de Kock has scored 272 runs in six innings this season with three fifties to his name. He’s been in top form since his return to international cricket. De Kock will look to exploit MI’s struggling bowling attack, and he’s another excellent C/VC choice.
- Jonny Bairstow has been hot and cold this season, but he’s looked in good touch. He can take down any bowling attack on his day and will fancy his chances against MI. Bairstow is someone you can back for this game.
Key batter picks:
- Jordan Hermann has scored 188 runs in five innings. He carried SEC’s batting in the first two games and has been in top form this season. Hermann will be a key batter for his side in the middle order and a must in your fantasy teams.
Top all-rounder picks:
- George Linde has seven wickets in seven games at an economy of 8.31. Linde is not in the best of form, but he’s a utility player and can fetch points from both bat and ball. Try him as C/VC in one of your teams.
- Kieron Pollard will be another must-pick in your fantasy teams. He has been in terrific touch in the last 10-12 months, scoring runs all around the globe. Pollard can also roll his arm over if required.
- James Coles scored 61* runs and picked up two wickets in the last game. He strengthens the SEC’s side as he adds to the batting depth and can bowl 3-4 overs. He will be a good C/VC option too.
- Marco Jansen picked up two wickets in the last game. He has been far from his best this season, but he’s a key bowler for Sunrisers, and we all know that he’s a capable batter.
Key bowler picks:
- Anrich Nortje has 12 wickets in six games at a strike rate of 10.75, and his economy is 6.88. He is mainly bowling in the middle and death overs for his team. Nortje bowls fast and has a heavy ball. He will be a top C/VC choice.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team
- Kagiso Rabada
- Trent Boult
- Jason Smith
- Matthew Breetzke
Other Matchups and Facts
- Quinton de Kock vs Trent Boult (T20s): 70 runs, 61 balls, 6 dismissals.
- Jonny Bairstow vs Kagiso Rabada (T20s): 34 runs, 31 deliveries, 2 dismissals.
- Rassie van der Dussen vs Keshav Maharaj (T20s): 34 runs, 42 deliveries, 2 dismissals.
SA 2025/26 26th Match: MICT vs SEC Dream11 Prediction Today
Option 1:

Option 2:

SA20 2025/26 26th Match: MICT vs SEC Match Prediction: Who will win?
Sunrisers Eastern Cape has insane depth with both bat and ball, and their performances clearly reflect that. Their top order is in good form, and Tristan Stubbs has also shown signs of getting back in form. Bowling-wise too, they’re in exceptional form as a team.
MI, on the other hand, has failed to play as a team this season. The poor run of form for their big names, especially their bowling, has proved to be costly for them.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape to win.

