Rahmanullah Gurbaz joins Pretoria Capitals ahead of SA20 2025, reunites with Jonathan Trott

Dashing Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has joined the Pretoria Capitals ahead of SA20 2025 and will reunite with Jonathan Trott. Trott, who is currently serving as Afghanistan's head coach, will serve in the same role for the Capitals in the 3rd edition.

The right-hander will join the likes of Wayne Parnell, Will Jacks, Rilee Rossouw, Jimmy Neesham, and Anrich Nortje - all of whom were retained by the franchise. England Test cricketer Ollie Pope is yet another signing by the Pretoria-based franchise.

The 22-year-old Gurbaz has promising numbers in T20 cricket and is among the most in-demand players across franchise circuit. In 186 T20s, the youngster has accumulated 4567 runs, averaging 25.37 alongside a strike rate of 146.66 with two centuries and 29 fifties.

It's worth noting that the Afghan cricketer is part of a Pretoria Capitals' sister franchise as well - Dubai Capitals. He also brings with him the experience of playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz played an instrumental role in Afghanistan's run to T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals

Gurbaz, meanwhile, was instrumental in Afghanistan's best T20 World Cup campaign so far. Led by Rashid Khan, the Afghans scored wins over Australia and New Zealand to seal a semi-final spot. The right-handed opener had hit half-centuries against Uganda, Australia and New Zealand, aggregating 281 runs in eight innings at 35.12 alongside a strike rate of 124.33.

The keeper-batter will hope to improve the Capitals' fortunes this year, with the franchise finishing 5th out of six teams last year. However, they were the runners-up in the inaugural edition in 2023.

SA20 2025 starts on January 9 and will run till February 8. SunRisers Eastern Cape, who has won the title twice, will start as the defending champions.

Led by Aiden Markram, the SunRisers defeated the Capitals in 2023 and the Durban Super Giants earlier this year.