MSL T20 2018, Match 10, Tshwane Spartans vs Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

Tshwane Spartans’ campaign in the Mzansi Super League (MSL) hasn’t been impressive by any means. They have slumped to defeats against Cape Town Blitz and Durban Heat. Their only victory against Paarl Rocks came by one run as AB de Villiers and Co strained to defend a total over 200. Their next match is against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, who have registered a couple of thumping victories.

Yesterday, the team led by JJ Smuts, got the better of Durban Heat by nine wickets and the triumph would keep them in good stead ahead of the next contest. Their batsmen are in red-hot form and would want to get on top of the Spartans’ bowling, which has tended to crumble at times when put under pressure. The encounter is scheduled to be hosted by the renowned SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Pitch Conditions

Most of the matches in the T20 tournament have been won by the team batting first. However, records in the shortest format at the venue suggest that teams, chasing a target, have come out trumps more often than not. Moreover, Spartans’ and Giants’ strength lie in their batting and hence it won’t spring a surprise if the sides opt to bowl first after winning the toss.

Team Combination

Tshwane Spartans

Gihahn Cloete and Thenuis de Bruyn are the likely openers with Toni de Zorzi to follow. Their skipper de Villiers has to step up and deliver. The onus will also be on Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams to perform well with both willow and leather. Andrew Birch, Lutho Sipmala and Rory Kleinveldt will shoulder the fast bowling department with Mendis, Raza and Williams as the spin bowling options.

Probable XI

Gihahn Cloete (wk), Thenuis de Bruyn, Tony de Zorzi, AB de Villiers (C), Sikandar Raza, Rory Kleinveldt, Sean Williams, Jeevan Mendis, Lutho Sipamala, Andrew Birch

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

JJ Smuts and Marco Marais are the openers with Englishman Ben Duckett to follow. Wicketkeeper Rudi Second and hard-hitter Christiaan Jonker are slotted to bat at number four and five respectively with Wihan Lube to come at six. The fast bowling department has Chris Morris, Junior Dala and Sisanda Magala with Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso shouldering the spin attack.

Probable XI

JJ Smuts (C), Marco Marais, Ben Duckett, Rudi Second (wk), Christiaan Jonker, Wihan Lubbe, Chris Morris, Imran Tahir, Aaron Phangiso, Junior Dala, Sisanda Magala

Probable Top Performers

AB de Villiers- Tshwane Spartans, Junior Dala- Nelson Mandela Bay Giants 

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Ten 1 and Sony Ten 1 HD (not confirmed)

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 14:30 IST; 11:00 local

The prediction is for Nelson Mandela Bay Giants to win the match.