Home
MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan was given a fiery send-off by Sunrisers Eastern Cape's English pacer Richard Gleeson in the SA20 2025 final. The on-field umpire had to intervene as Rashid made his way out of the ground after getting out for a two-ball duck. However, Rashid had the last laugh as Gleeson was the last to fall in the final and MI Cape Town were crowned champions.
After their maiden title win, Rashid was asked by legenday South African cricketer AB de Villiers about what was said in the middle when he got out. The highest wicket-taker in T20s said that it is something that cannot be told here. However, it was the much-needed push Rashid needed to keep the energy high in the final.
"Something not too good to be told here. It pumped me up as well. That was needed. With that chat in the middle my energy was different and happy to have won the game," Rashid told De Villiers after the 76-run win over Aiden Markram-led side.
The incident took place in the 18th over of MI Cape Town's innings after Rashid won the toss and opted to bat first at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. The Afghan all-rounder was outsmarted by a short ball and managed to get a top-edge. Tom Abell took a comfortable catch and as Rashid was walking off the pitch, Gleeson had a few words to say to him.
While Rashid could not do much with the bat, he was lethal with the ball. He dismissed opener Tony de Zorzi who scored 26 runs from 23 balls. He conceded just 19 runs from his quota of four overs.
Rashid lauds teammates, reveals how he got MI Cape Town captaincy
After the win, Rashid was ecstatic and lauded the bowling attack comprising of Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult and George Linde.
"Tonight was brilliant. We had couple of tough years. The highest points across three seasons to start off. Feel happy for this team. Brilliant effort from everyone. Throughout this season, we didn't play a selfish innings. Every one thought what the team needs. Even today, every one played their natural game. We had KG, Bosch, Boult and then George. So, happy to be part of this bowling line up," the veteran leg-spinner said.
Rashid also rued missing the last season due to injury and revealed how he was asked about taking up the captaincy role in the franchise.
"Amazing to be back. Missed last year due to back injury. I got a phone call ahead of the season that do you want to lead. I said yes. This is the only franchise which has won every tournament. We have won the IPL, MLC, the ILT20 and now the SA20," he added.
While Boult was named the 'Player of the match' for his economical spell and two scalps, Rabada took four wickets in the final to bowl out Eastern Cape for 105.
