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Behind MI Cape Town’s dramatic turnaround was a mix of strategic decisions, a revamped roster, and the full support of the MI management, whose backing proved crucial to the team’s success.
MI Cape Town players pose for photo with the SA20 2025 trophy.
MI Cape Town’s journey in the SA20 league has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. After finishing at the bottom of the table in the past two seasons, the team made a remarkable turnaround this year by clinching the coveted title in emphatic fashion. Behind this dramatic turnaround was a mix of strategic decisions, a revamped roster, and the unwavering support of the MI management, whose backing proved crucial to the team’s success.
MICT were the best team in the competition by a fair margin, winning seven out of 10 games and amassing bonus points to finish with 35 during the league stages. This is maximum points attained during the league stages in the SA20’s history. And in Qualifier 1, they then brushed aside a formidable Paarl Royals by 39 runs before dishing out a heavy 76-run loss to two-time defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Building a Championship-Winning Team
Robin Peterson, the former South African cricketer and head coach of MI Cape Town, played a central role in reconstructing the team. Reflecting on the campaign, Peterson emphasised the importance of blending local talent with international experience. “I think the local players we brought in are internationals too,” he noted. “People often forget that. It was just about balancing the team, what skill sets we need. We didn’t plan it; it just happened by design. We’re thankful that most of the guys in our team are of local or international standards, which made it a little easier.”
Key additions like Rashid Khan and Trent Boult brought invaluable experience and leadership to the squad. Peterson acknowledged their impact, stating, “Bringing Rash back, getting Boult here, and adding a couple of fresh faces definitely made a difference, not only in the dressing room but on the field as well.”
Management’s Pivotal Role
A recurring theme among players and staff was the exceptional support from the MI management. Peterson expressed gratitude for their trust, saying, “There’s always pressure when you’re with MI; it’s a proud franchise. But they do back us quite a bit. That backing and allowing us to give it another crack—we’ve got to be thankful to the owners and the management above us.”
Opening batter Ryan Rickelton echoed this sentiment, praising the coaching staff’s meticulous preparation. “Management has been phenomenal this year,” Rickelton said. “Mitch McClenaghan is heavily undernoticed, but the stuff he’s doing behind the scenes—the plans, the amount of cricket he watches—he’s a proper student of the game.”
Rickelton was the bedrock of MI’s success, alongside opener veteran Rassie van der Dussen. Rickelton finished the tournament as the fourth highest run-getter with 336 runs in just eight matches, striking at 178.72. Van der Dussen, on the other hand, did better than his SA counterpart amassing 393 runs at 49.12.
Contributions from Rising Stars and Veterans
One of the highlights of MI Cape Town’s season was the emergence of young talents like Dewald Brevis, who delivered a vital performance in the final. The 21-year-old credited the team’s winning culture and management’s support for his growth. “I just want to play with a smile on my face and be successful my way,” Brevis shared. “There’s a special bond within the team, and we play with great honour.”
Brevis, who had lacked consistency even since transitioning to senior cricket ended up as the sixth highest run-getter in SA20 2024-25 with 291 runs at a stunning strike-rate of 184.17 – the highest for any batter in the competition.
The team’s veterans also stepped up when it mattered most. Trent Boult highlighted the sense of unity that prevailed throughout the campaign. “When I got here, I could sense that real feeling of unity. The boys wanted to play for each other, and those are key ingredients for any championship-winning side,” Boult remarked.
Boult also add a unique feather to his cap, by now being part of every title winning MI franchise in league across the globe. Mumbai Indians in IPL, MI Emirates in ILT20, MI New York in MLC and finally here at SA20 with MICT.
Captain Rashid Khan’s Leadership
Under the leadership of Rashid Khan, MI Cape Town transformed into a cohesive and formidable unit. Khan reflected on the team’s journey: “Last year and the year before, we were at the bottom of the table. This year, we finished at the top and won the final. Everyone contributed to the win. It wasn’t about depending on one or two guys but about collective contributions.”
Winning the SA20 title as an overseas captain was a special moment for Khan. “It’s a big win for us,” he said. “SA20 is not easy; you have to work hard as a team. This year, we put in the effort and played every game with heart.”
A Legacy of Success
Peterson went on to acknowledge the contributions of the technical team and support staff, including legends like Hashim Amla and Mitch McClenaghan. “What you see on the field is just the tip of the iceberg,” he noted. “Hashim’s batting chats were spot on, and Mitch’s attention to detail in game planning was second to none.”
MI Cape Town’s triumph this season stands as a testament to their strategic rebuilding, and the invaluable support of the MI management. As Rashid Khan summed it up, “You can’t ask for better than this.”
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