How does SA20’s playoffs structure works? Explained

With the T20 leagues once again taking over the international cricketing calendar, South Africa is also witnessing its premier T20 league, the South Africa T20 (SA20). After a blockbuster opening season in 2023, the SA20 has gained much recognition and is among the top T20 franchise leagues in the world. With its fourth edition currently underway, the SA20 2025-26 season will stage its playoffs from January 21 with the final scheduled for January 25.

As the race to the playoffs heats up, let’s dive into the playoffs structure. Like in the prominent Indian Premier League (IPL) and other T20 leagues, SA20 also saw a key change which now features a Qualifier 1, Eliminator and Qualifier 2 setting up the road to the final.

SA20 Playoffs structure explained

After the amendment was made in Season 2 of the league, like in every other tournament, here also six teams compete until the final league stage match to seal the top four berths in the points table, who eventually qualify for the final week of the tournament. In Qualifier 1, the top two placed teams battle it out. While the winner makes a direct entry to the finale, the loser gets another opportunity in Qualifier 2.

However, it’s not the same in the Eliminator. The Eliminator, which this year will be played on January 22, is a straight shootout between the third and fourth-placed sides. While the winners set up a clash with the loser of Qualifier 1, the Eliminator bows out. Afterwards, the two teams fight for a final spot in Qualifier 2. While the loser makes an exit, the winner makes it to the final.

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