Rain backs schools cricket as SA20 launches derbies
Twenty-six schools will feature in 13 first XI clashes alongside the national T20 competition’s third season.
SA20 has launched the rain SA20 Derby Series and confirmed rain as title sponsor of both the new initiative and Schools SA20.
Announced on 9 September, the Derby Series will feature standalone fixtures between some of South Africa’s leading cricket schools. The national schools T20 competition, now named rain Schools SA20, is entering its third season.
The new series brings together 26 schools for 13 first XI encounters, with several familiar rivalries on the programme.
SACS will meet Wynberg, Paarl Gim face Paarl Boys, and Michaelhouse take on Hilton. Pretoria Boys will play Affies, while Jeppe face KES and Queen’s College meet Dale College.
The remaining fixtures are Menlopark against Waterkloof, Potch Gim against Potch Volkies, Cornwall Hill against Midstream, Grey High against Pearson, Durban High School against Westville, St Stithians against St David’s, and St Andrew’s against Grey College.
The announcement gives rain naming rights across two schools cricket platforms, covering both the standalone derby fixtures and the national Schools SA20 tournament.
For the participating first XIs, the Derby Series adds an SA20 stage to contests already carrying plenty of school pride.
The #rainSA20DerbySeries brings together 26 of South Africa’s cricket schools for standalone matches.
Some rooted in decades of history; others are new pairings, brought together by the strength of the cricket between them.
— rain Schools SA20 (@Schools_SA20) September 9, 2026