SA20 2025: Sunrisers Eastern Cape secure Zak Crawley, Roelof van der Merwe

Zak Crawley has been an excellent choice for England at the top of the order in Test cricket, embodying coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes' aggressive 'Bazball' style. Now, Crawley is set to embark on his first stint in South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition, SA20.

Crawley already has experience in T20 leagues, having played for the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia. He also has a T20 century for Kent in England’s T20 Blast. Reflecting on his ambitions, Crawley recently said, "I've always wanted to be a good white-ball player," Crawley said recently. "I'm trying to add a few other shots to my game, but I feel like it's quite suited and I've gone well in T20 cricket in the past when I've had a run at it. I'm trying to add a bit more power to my game, I'm working hard in the nets trying a few different things to hopefully hit more and bigger sixes."

Meanwhile, Roelof van der Merwe, known as ‘The Bulldog,’ was a standout performer for the double SA20 champions in Season 1. The left-arm spinner was the joint leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets and had an impressive economy rate of just 5.62. He played a crucial role in the inaugural final at the Wanderers, taking 4/31 against the Pretoria Capitals and earning the Player of the Final award.

Van der Merwe still holds the best-ever figures in SA20 history, with 6/20 against Durban’s Super Giants in Gqeberha. He remains a fan favorite among the Sunrisers Eastern Cape supporters and will be eagerly welcomed back at St George’s Park.