MSL T20 2018, Match 12, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Cape Town Blitz, Match Prediction, Who will win the Match?

The inaugural edition of the Mzansi Super League (MSL) is nearing the half-way stage and teams would be keen to strengthen their chance of qualifying to the next round. Among them, Cape Town Blitz and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants are perching handsomely at the top of the table. The two teams are now set to lock horns in the next match at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth.

The Blitz are comfortably placed at number one but slumped to a defeat by five wickets against Paarl Rocks at Boland Park. The team, captained by JJ Smuts, would want to make a strong comeback. The Bay Giants, on the contrary, have lost only match against the Blitz itself and won’t want to lose another contest against them. Otherwise, they have simply been unstoppable.

Pitch

The track produced a low-scoring affair in the only match in the event between the Giants and Durban Heat and the next contest isn’t expected to be a high-scoring one. Both teams have strong batting lineups and they would be looking to chase. Hence it won’t spring a surprise if they opt to field first.

Team Combination

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

Marco Marais and JJ Smuts are the opening batsmen with Englishman Ben Duckett to follow. Wihan Lubbe and Christiaan Jonker are the listed to come at number four and five respectively. Rudi Second is the designated wicketkeeper in the lineup. Chris Morris, Junior Dala and Imran Tahir are the experienced bowlers and the onus would be on them to restrict the batsmen.

Probable XI

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

Cape Town Blitz

Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan are the likely openers. All-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and skipper Farhaan Behardien will bat at number three and four respectively. The Pakistani duo of Asif Ali and Hussain Talat have the responsibility to play the big shots. Dale Steyn will lead the pace attack with Siboto, Piedt, Linde and Phehlukwayo being the other bowlers.

Probable XI

Quinton de Kock (wk), Janneman Malan, Andile Phehlukwayo, Farhaan Behardien (C), Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Ferisco Adams, George Linde, Dane Piedt, Malusi Siboto, Dale Steyn

Probable Top Performers

Ben Duckett- Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, Asif Ali- Cape Town Blitz

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 22:30 IST; 19:00 local

The prediction is for the Cape Town Blitz to win the match.