MSL T20 2018, Match 19, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Jozi Stars, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

Both the teams are coming off great wins in their last match.

Published - 02 Dec 2018, 12:25 IST | Updated - 02 Dec 2018, 12:25 IST

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In the second game of the doubleheader on Sunday, the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants will host the Jozi Stars for the 19th match of MSL 2018. The Giants are placed well on the table at the second position with 19 points. The side has been performing well in the league and only lost one game thus far. Also, they registered an impressive 48-run victory against the Paarl Rocks in their previous encounter.

Jozi Stars must win this game to keep their playoff chances alive. It was an absolute run fest in their last outing at the Bullring. They intimidated the Durban Heat to register only their second win of the season. It is important for them not to get carried away as they did last time after a 60-run win against Rocks. Inconsistency has been an issue for the Stars despite winning by big margins so far.

Pitch and Conditions

The St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth has been a fortress for the Giants till now. While it all seems to be very easy for the home team, the visitors have struggled terribly playing at this venue. Both the games here were a cakewalk for the hosts and they would want the same to repeat. Acclimatizing quickly to the conditions is the key playing here. The humidity is expected to be extremely high during the match and a lot of fluids must go in. Although there will be dark clouds looming around, the chances of rain are freak.

Team Combinations

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

The Nelson Mandela Bay Giants might not make any changes to their XI from the previous game. They will rest a lot of their hopes on skipper JJ Smuts and Ben Duckett. Heino Kuhn was impressive with a half-century in the last game and will hold onto his spot in the side. Imran Tahir will be the key with the ball.

Predicted XI: Marco Marais, JJ Smuts (c), Ben Duckett, Heino Kuhn, Christiaan Jonker, Rudi Second (wk), Chris Morris, Sisanda Magala, Aaron Phangiso, Imran Tahir, Junior Dala.

Jozi Stars

The Jozi Stars have got a fierce batting lineup. Their batsmen don’t need much time to get going. If the openers settle in and build a good partnership, the middle order can take over and it is brutal at times just as it was in the last match. Reeza Hendricks scored a century in the last match and he should try to do the same here. Kagiso Rabada’s four overs will be essential for the team.

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