MSL 2019: Match 8, Jozi Stars vs Nelson Mandela Bay Giants: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 8th Match of the Mzansi Super League 2019 between Jozi Stars and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

The match starts at 1:30 PM local time (10:30 AM GMT) (4:00 PM IST). It can be watched live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV and FanCode in India.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

Jozi Stars have endured a torrid time in MSL 2019. MSL 2018 Champions, Jozi Stars hasn’t been able to cope up with three losses to begin their campaign. They face Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in Match 8 of the Mzansi Super League with only a win on their minds. Both teams have already faced each other earlier with the Bay Giants coming out victorious.

Although Kagiso Rabada did provide the early breakthroughs, a stunning partnership between Farhaan Behardien and Heino Kuhn set the platform for a rearguard win against the Stars. While Jozi Stars come into this game on the back of yet another loss to the Blitz, the Bay Giants rued bad weather as they were possibly robbed of their second win against Tshwane Spartans.

Although both sides match up as equals on paper, momentum is on Nelson Mandela Bay Giants’ side with Jason Roy and JJ Smuts threatening to take off at the Wanderers.

Weather Condition/Report:

No rain is expected during the game with a bright and sunny day on the forecast. A minimal cloud cover of 7% is expected at the start of the game, according to AccuWeather while the temperature will range from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius during the course of the game.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The only game played here in MSL 2019 witnessed a run-fest with 411 runs being scored between Jozi Stars and Cape Town Blitz. A similar pitch awaits with no respite for the bowlers whatsoever. Chasing will be preferred although none of the teams batting second has won in MSL 2019 so far.

Average first innings score:  196 (Six MSL 2018 and 2019 matches so far at the venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 4

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be shared when there’s an update)

Probable Playing XIs for Dream11 Fantasy

Jozi Stars:

Chris Gayle, Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Daniel Christian, Ryan Rickelton (WK),  Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Aaron Phangiso, Gerald Coetzee, Duanne Olivier

Bench: Dane Paterson, Sinethemba Qeshile, Nono Pongolo, Delano Potgieter

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants:

Jason Roy, Matthew Breetzke, JJ Smuts (C), Ben Dunk (WK), Heino Kuhn, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris,  Imran Tahir, Nandre Burger, Onke Nyaku, Junior Dala

Bench: Beuran Hendricks, Dyllan Matthews, Marco Marais, Grant Thomson

Top Picks

JJ Smuts is a batting allrounder, who showed glimpses of why he is all about against the Jozi Stars. Although he scored only nine runs, his handy spell of 1/31 restricted the run flow as he fulfilled the fifth bowler’s duty to perfection. Chris Morris has been brilliant with new ball in both games so far. With three wickets to show for with an economy of 4.87, Morris can also yield the long handle to good use in the lower middle order.

Chris Gayle hasn’t had the best of times in MSL 2019. Although Gayle has scored only 35 runs in three games, he is a viable option on a flat track in Johannesburg. Given his experience, Gayle should be backed to make an impact for Jozi Stars. These players should be picked in your Dream11 Fantasy side.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain –  JJ Smuts, Chris Gayle, Chris Morris

Vice-Captain – Daniel Christian, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Matthew Breetzke

Batsmen – Chris Gayle, JJ Smuts, Reeza Hendricks (C), Jason Roy (VC)

All-Rounders – Daniel Christian, Chris Morris

Bowlers – Imran Tahir, Junior Dala, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Heino Kuhn

Batsmen – JJ Smuts, Chris Gayle (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Ben Dunk

All-Rounders – Farhaan Behardien (VC), Simon Harmer

Bowlers – Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Aaron Phangiso, Dane Peterson

Expert Advice:

With the pitch being a high-scoring one, picking more top-order batsmen would be an ideal ploy with Matthew Breetzke and Temba Bavuma available for 8 and 8.5 credits respectively.

Rassie van der Dussen’s form has been disastrous in MSL 2019. With Dussen costing 9.5 credits in Dream11, you would be better off in picking one of Heino Kuhn or Farhaan Behardien for this Dream11 Fantasy contest.

Probable Winners:

Jozi Stars are favourites to win this match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.