In our second part of the team previews ahead of SA20 2025-26, we look at the teams that got knocked out in the playoffs last season.
Paarl Royals
Last season: Second on the points table after group phase, lost in Qualifier 2.
Captain: David Miller
Coach: Trevor Penny
Who's in: Kyle Verreynne, Dan Lawrence, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Asa Tribe, Delano Potgieter, JJ Basson, Vishen Halambage, Sikandar Raza, Ottneil Baartman, Nqobani Mokoena, Gudakesh Motie, Hardus Viljoen
Who's out: Dinesh Karthik, Sam Hain, Joe Root, Dewan Marais, Mitch Owen, Mitchell van Buuren, Jacob Bethell, Codi Yusuf, Dayyaan Galiem, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, John Turner, Dunith Wellalage, Keith Dudgeon
Strengths: As the first team to win all their home games in an edition of an SA20, PR play in uniquely slow, low and even turning conditions in the Boland. They've stacked their squad with the players, and especially bowlers, to exploit that with the addition of Ottneil Baartman, Gudakesh Motie and Sikandar Raza. Expect low scores, and batting to be difficult, especially for visiting teams.
Weaknesses: The absence of a young out-and-out local quick is glaring, with 36-year-old Hardus Viljoen likely to carry the attack away from home. Losing Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo could hurt PR, as will being without experienced internationals Joe Root and Dinesh Karthik.
Who to watch: Sikandar Raza will head from the SA20 to captain Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup, and could be their only player actively engaged in high-level cricket ahead of the tournament. Raza was recently named the format's No.1 allrounder, and offers a well-rounded skill set and winning mindset that this outfit needs.
Joburg Super Kings
Last season: Fourth after group stage, lost the Eliminator
Captain: Faf du Plessis
Coach: Stephen Fleming
Who's in: Rilee Rossouw, Brandon King, Steve Stolk, James Vince, Wiaan Mulder, Shubham Ranjane, Prenelan Subrayen, Richard Gleeson, Akeal Hosein, Reece Topley, Dan Worrall, Dian Forrester, Janco Smit, Rivaldo Moonsamy
Who's out: Jonny Bairstow, Devon Conway, Leus du Plooy, Wihan Lubbe, Sibonelo Makhanya, Moeen Ali, Evan Jones, JP King, David Wiese, Doug Bracewell, Gerald Coetzee, Beuran Hendricks, Matheesha Pathirana, Tabraiz Shamsi, Hardus Viljoen, Lizaad Williams
Strengths: Nicknamed granddad's army for their preference for experienced players, JSK have stuck with two players in their 40s in Faf du Plessis and Imran Tahir, both of whom bring plenty of league experience. Du Plessis and Tahir will bookend an otherwise fresh squad with only two other players, Nandre Burger and Donovan Ferreira, from last season's roster still on their books. They'll hope a new look brings different results.
Weaknesses: Seven injured quicks last season hurt JSK, especially as home conditions at the Wanderers demand a strong pace battery. They have not secured a second home quick this summer either. With Burger nursing a hamstring problem, Wiaan Mulder could take on a bigger role, while Reece Topley is their other option.
Who to watch: JSK do have some young ones in their squad, and 19-year-old Steve Stolk is among them. A member of South Africa's 2024 Under-19 World Cup squad, Stolk is a power-hitter, who has played for both Titans and South Africa Emerging Teams. Now an SA20 season with du Plessis could take his game to the next level.