The Eastern Cape side showcased their form in search of their third straight title.
Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape climbed to second place in the SA20 standings on Friday night, earning a 14-run victory over the Joburg Super Kings in Gqeberha.
The Sunrisers settled in second spot in the table with 19 points, just one point behind league leaders Paarl Royals, although the Royals held a game in hand.
Chasing 166 runs to win, the Super Kings batting line-up were pinned back by the Sunrisers seam attack.
Marco Jansen (2/19), Ottneil Baartman (2/32) and Richard Gleeson (2/37) took two wickets each as the Joburg side were restricted to 151/8 in their 20 overs.
The visitors were anchored by New Zealand international Devon Conway, who made 43 runs off 40 balls, but he did not receive enough support as the Super Kings were handed their third defeat in six matches this season.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape innings
Earlier, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Sunrisers top order combined well to carry the hosts to 165/4.
Four of the Sunrisers batters contributed more than 20 runs each, led by captain Aiden Markram, who hit 43 runs off 29 balls to lay the foundation for his team’s victory.
The skipper was well supported by David Bedingham (37) and Tristan Stubbs (35 not out) in a solid team effort.
Seam bowler Evan Jones led the Super Kings attack, taking 2/38 from his four overs.
While the hosts retained their place among the pace setters at the top of the table with 19 points, after securing their fourth win from seven matches, the Super Kings remained fourth in the table with 10 points.
The Sunrisers and Joburg Super Kings will meet again in the return fixture between the two sides at the Wanderers on Sunday (3.30pm start).
