Sunrisers Eastern Cape batsman Matthew Breetzke says patience and belief were key as he worked his way through a dip in form earlier in the SA20.

The right-hander came into the tournament as a senior figure in the Sunrisers batting line-up but found early momentum hard to come by in a competition where conditions have often favoured bowlers.

Coach Adrian Birrell persisted with Breetzke, confident the runs would come, and that faith was rewarded when he struck a decisive 66 against MI Cape Town in Gqeberha to help the Sunrisers finish top of the standings.

Speaking to SportsBoom.co.za, Breetzke said the nature of the surfaces around the country made consistency difficult, particularly for batsmen trying to build momentum.

“It’s been a bit of an up-and-down tournament so far, but that’s also T20 cricket. If you don’t really get on a roll, that’s sort of how it goes,” Breetzke said. “The wickets haven’t been that easy, so getting momentum on your side has been really tough.

“I want to contribute every game, but I haven’t been able to, and it is what it is. I just had to keep going and keep believing that I’m going to be the guy when it counts.

“The nice thing is that everyone is contributing at different times in this team, which makes us a really good side to be part of. If I don’t score runs, I try to contribute in the field. Hopefully the runs come.”

His innings against MICT carried extra significance, not only because it came in a must-win match, but also because it marked a turning point personally.

“I was really keen to contribute, especially because it was a must-win game,” Breetzke said. “My juices were definitely flowing and I was ready to be the guy for the team. It felt really good having my family in the stands and being able to contribute.”

AFRICA PICKS: Sunrisers, Capitals battle for place in the final

Attention now turns to Kingsmead, where the Sunrisers face the Pretoria Capitals in the first playoff qualifier on Wednesday. Having played his first three SA20 seasons there with Durban’s Super Giants, Breetzke is expected to be a key sounding board for his teammates.

“I’d like to think my experience at Kingsmead will help us on Wednesday,” he said. “In saying that, you’re never really sure what you’re going to get there. It could be a slow turner or a really good wicket.”

Reading conditions quickly, he added, will be vital.

“So I’ll have to assess that early on. Quinny [Quinton de Kock] and Jonny [Bairstow] will have to assess it early as well, and then we can take it from there and work out what a good score is. Reading the conditions will be really important.”

The playoffs have also carried a personal edge for Breetzke, who is enjoying his first SA20 season playing for a franchise based in his home city of Gqeberha, having spent his entire domestic career with the Warriors.

“It’s been really special to play for my home team and have my family and friends around to watch the games,” he said. “It’s been awesome being at home and having those everyday comforts around me.”

The match starts at 5.50pm (SA time).

Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportzpics