MSL T20 2018, Match 15, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Paarl Rocks, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants and Paarl Rocks were encountered with rain in their last couple of matches. While the Rocks were benefitted by the same as they won their last match against Durban Heat by 32 runs (DLS method), the Giants’ match against Cape Town Blitz was washed away without a ball being bowled. While the Giants are second on the points table, the Rocks are placed in the third position.

Both teams have won one bonus point each, which could benefit them going deep into the league stage. In fact, they also have a chance of finishing atop the points table provided they dethrone the Blitz. The Giants and Rocks are now scheduled to lock horns at St Georges Park in Elizabeth and they won’t want rain to interfere as that could turn out to be a roadblock in their journey ahead in the tournament.

Pitch

Three matches have been played thus far at the venue out of which one was called off. The completed contests have been won by the team batting second. There has been only one instant when rain didn’t interrupt. Hence, the team winning the toss may opt to field first. Moreover, the chances of rain tomorrow can’t be ruled out completely and therefore, teams would also want to chase.

Team Combination

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

Marco Marais and JJ Smuts are the opening batsmen with Englishman Ben Duckett to follow. Wihahn Lubbe and Christiaan Jonker are slotted to bat at number four and five respectively. Rudi Second is the designated wicketkeeper. The bowling lineup will be led by the experienced campaigners like Morris, Imran Tahir and Junior Dala. Morris also has the ability to hit the long ball.

Probable XI

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

Paarl Rocks

Henry Davids and Aiden Markram are the likely openers. A lot would depend on how their skipper Faf du Plessis steps up and perform. The experience of Vaughn van Jaarsveld and David Wiese need to come to the fore. The onus would also be on the likes of Tabraiz Shamsi and Dane Paterson, who have donned the South African team’s jersey. Moreki and Kruger are the other bowlers in the lineup.

Probable XI

Henry Davids, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), Vaughn van Jaarsveld, David Wiese, Bjorn Fortuin, Patrick Kruger, Dane Peterson, Tshepo Moreki, Tabraiz Shamsi

Probable Top Performers

Imran Tahir- Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, Faf du Plessis– Paarl Rocks

Broadcast Details

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 17:30 IST; 14:00 local

The prediction is for the Paarl Rocks to win the match.