As we hurtle towards the playoffs of the 2025/26 SA20, there’s no doubting we have been treated to some huge hits, tumbling stumps and stunning catches.
The competition has once again proven to be one of the premier Twenty20 tournaments in the game.
While names like Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Shai Hope, Jos Buttler and Anrich Nortje have treated us to huge star power, there have been a number of incredibly impressive breakout stars that are still looking to put their name in lights on the biggest stage going forward.
With the playoffs to come, there is still plenty of time for many youngsters and emerging talents to showcase their quality, but Bets.co.za have brought together the five breakout stars of the 2026 tournament.
Each of them have provided teams with something special along with a promise of what the future might hold.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Paarl Royals)
At just 19 years old, Lhuan-dre Pretorius has been earmarked as one for the future for this Paarl Royals side as he continues to build on his budding reputation. Incredibly, playing alongside a big name like David Miller has not fazed him in the slightest.
This year’s SA20 has seen him register a high score of 98 among regular runs and Pretorius has shown that he can be a monster with the bat in hand, going at a quick 127+ strike rate.
As a keen wicket-keeper batsman, Pretorius provides all-round cover in whatever team he plays. While he is still a raw talent, South African cricket will likely be keeping a keen eye on him as they look to ensure that Pretorius continues to develop across formats.
Dian Forrester (Joburg Super Kings)
Another star of the future comes in the form of Dian Forrester. The left-handed batter has appeared in the SA20 for the first time and has looked right at home so far.
With a high score of 80, his most impressive ability has been being able to survive when out in the middle. He has ended three innings not out whilst also returning an exceptional average of 60.50.
Incredibly, his strike rate is just a few ticks below 200, with Forrester plundering runs at a strike rate of just 189.06.
At just 25 years old, Forrester has a very bright future ahead of him, and we predict he will be terrorising bowlers for years to come.
Nqobani Mokoena (Paarl Royals)
Nqobani Mokoena is another of the 19-year-old stars that the SA20 has helped to unearth.
The Paarl Royals star has been supreme with the ball as he has proved himself to be a good wicket-taking option when needed.
With the ball in hand, he has taken 11 wickets, which is the fourth most in the competition after seven matches.
The right-arm fast bowler has been able to get at his opponents with fiery spell that has seen him return an average of 22.64 with the ball along with best figures of 4/34.
South Africa has a long and proud history of creating some of the best fast bowlers to have played the game, and the Paarl Royals will be hoping Mokoena joins this list.
Gideon Peters (Pretoria Capitals)
Another fast-bowling option that is quickly gaining traction on the pitch is Gideon Peters.
The Pretoria Capitals bowler has only played in four matches this season, but he has impressed when he has been given a chance.
Peters has notched eight wickets at 13.13. With best figures of 3/32, Peters looks like a real handful when out in the middle.
The focus for the quick will be on getting more game time and taking advantage of any time out in the middle when it inevitably comes.
Jordan Hermann (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
While Jordan Hermann is only 25 and features on our breakout stars list, he has actually been impressing in the SA20 for years now.
The 2023 edition saw Hermann take to the middle for the first time as he notched 184 in eight innings. Sunrisers kept faith with him and were repaid with a stunning 295 runs in 11 innings in 2024 that featured a high score of 106.
The 2025 and 2026 campaigns have seen Hermann notch 187 and 188 respectively, with the left-hander on course to break the 200-run mark this season.
With an average of 47.00 in 2026 and a strike rate of 157.98, Hermann has looked to take the attack to the opposition.
With a few years in the SA20 under his belt, will it be long before he is eyed for blooding into the T20 international side?