‘Change what’s possible’: Tristan Stubbs’ SA20 final knock echoes this Indian legend's influence

Tristan Stubbs delivered a match-winning performance when it mattered most, emerging as the hero of the SA20 2026 final for Sunrisers Eastern Cape. In a tense showdown against Pretoria Capitals, the 25-year-old batter produced a calm yet commanding innings that turned a slipping game firmly back in his team’s favour.

Chasing 159, Sunrisers found themselves under severe pressure at 48 for 4 in the ninth over. With momentum firmly against them, Stubbs walked in and took control of the chase, anchoring the innings when calm decision-making was crucial. His composed 63 off 41 balls proved decisive in steering Sunrisers to victory.

While Stubbs’ knock grabbed headlines, fans were equally intrigued by the bat he used. The Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) bat featured the words “Change what’s possible” along with the signature of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar etched at the bottom. Though Stubbs has never publicly spoken about Tendulkar’s influence, the symbolism of the bat did not go unnoticed.

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Interestingly, Tendulkar had earlier praised Stubbs for a spectacular catch against England in 2022, a moment that first brought the South African into the global spotlight.

Partnership That Turned the Game

Stubbs found perfect support in Matthew Breetzke, with the duo adding a crucial 114-run partnership off just 65 deliveries. Their ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate shifted the balance completely. Stubbs later admitted that even he was surprised by how quickly the momentum changed once they found their rhythm.

Finishing Like Champions

From a daunting 56 needed off 24 balls, Stubbs and Breetzke dismantled the Capitals’ bowling attack, including Gideon Peters and Lungi Ngidi, to seal Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s third SA20 title.

In the end, Stubbs’ fearless innings not only won the final but also fittingly reflected the inspiration symbolised by the iconic bat in his hands.