MSL T20 2018, Jozi Stars vs Paarl Rocks, Eliminator, Match Prediction - Who will win the match?

After a breathtaking group-stage tussle, the Jozi Stars and Paarl Rocks crawled their way to the second and third position respectively to setup an Eliminator clash. The winner of this contest will go straight into the finals to play the Cape Town Blitz on Sunday.

Both the Stars and Rocks have had mixed spells of form. As both these sides will be entering the eliminator with a thumping win under their belt, confidence won’t be a decisive factor ahead of the game. Both the camps are booming with optimism and to lay hands on the trophy will be their only target.

Paarl have some outstanding names like Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Tabraiz Shamsi and Cameron Delport which makes them a better side on paper. But as the world has witnessed for so many years, all these factors go irrelevant once the real game kick-starts.

Pitch

The Bullring is expected to provide yet another cracking T20 track. In the last four innings played on this innings, the average score has been above 170, which should prompt captains on both sides to bat second as the pitch might not change much over the course of time. No rain is forecasted for Friday and a full 40-over game is expected.

Playing combinations

Jozi Stars

All eyes will be on Rassie van der Dussen, who has been in prolific form in the last few games. Ryan Rickleton, Reeza Hendricks, Dane Vilas, and Daniel Christian form a sensational batting order which will pose a strong challenge. Beuran Hendricks and Kagiso Rabada will be their potent weapons with the ball alongside Duanne Olivier and Nono Pongolo.

Predicted XI: Daniel Christian, Dane Vilas (C & wk), Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Simon Harmer, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada, Petrus van Biljon, Duanne Olivier, Nono Pongolo, Ryan Rickelton

Paarl Rocks

A star-studded batting lineup is the Rocks’ key strength. Cameron Delport and Henry Davids will open the innings with the likes of Faf du Plessis, Aiden Markram, and Dwayne Bravo coming in the middle order. Kerwin Mungroo impressed one and all in this tournament and he will pair up with Dane Paterson for the new ball. Tabraiz Shamsi will continue to be the strike-bowler for Faf in critical situations.

Predicted XI: Dwayne Bravo, Henry Davids, Faf du Plessis (C), Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), David Wiese, Aiden Markram, Dane Paterson, Cameron Delport, Tabraiz Shamsi, Grant Thomson, Kerwin Mungroo

Probable Top Performers

Kagiso Rabada – Jozi Stars | Dwayne Bravo – Paarl Rocks

The prediction is for Jozi Stars to make merry of the home advantage and pip their opponents for a place in the final.

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