MSL T20 2018, Match 28: Jozi Stars vs Tshwane Spartans, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

Tshwane Spartans are well and truly fighting for survival and they need to win the next match in order to keep their hopes alive for progressing to the next round of the Mzansi Super League (MSL). They won their last encounter against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, something which would keep them in good stead ahead of their penultimate appearance in the round-robin phase.

The Stars, on the contrary, are safely placed on the second position but aren’t yet confirmed a berth in the subsequent round. They slumped in their erstwhile match against Paarl Rocks by six wickets and would be keen to brush the Spartans aside in the encounter at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The contest is undoubtedly expected to be a crackerjack.

Pitch

The track has been excellent for batting and bowlers have hardly had their say on a deck, which has offered peanuts for them. The wicket has also produced more than 200 runs on one occasion. Both teams would want to chase on a strip, which is expected to get better. Hence, it won’t spring a surprise if teams opt to field first after winning the toss.

Team Combination

Jozi Stars

The swashbuckling Chris Gayle and Reeza Hendricks are the opening batsmen with Rassie van der Dussen to bat at number three. Skipper Dane Vilas will shoulder the middle order, batting at number four. Petrus van Biljon and Daniel Christian are slotted to bat next. The bowling attack would be led by Kagiso Rabada. Olivier, Pongolo, Harmer, and Pretorius are the other bowlers.

Probable XI

Chris Gayle, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Dane Vilas (C & wk), Petrus van Biljon, Daniel Christian, Dwaine Pretorius, Simon Harmer, Nono Pongolo, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier

Tshwane Spartans

Andrea Agathangelou and wicketkeeper Gihahn Cloete are the probable openers with the elegant Dean Elgar to bat at number three. A lot would depend on how AB de Villiers wields his magic. Eoin Morgan’s role would also be crucial. The batting has a fair amount of depth with Jeevan Mendis, also a leg-spinner, at number nine. Lutho Sipmla, van Berg and Birch are the other bowlers.

Probable XI

Andrea Agathangelou, Gihahn Cloete (wk), Dean Elgar, AB de Villiers (C), Eoin Morgan, Tony de Zorzi, Robbie Frylinck, Shaun van Berg, Jeevan Mendis, Andrew Birch, Lutho Sipamla

Probable Top Performers

Chris Gayle – Jozi Stars | AB de Villiers – Tshwane Spartans

Broadcast Details

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

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

The prediction is for the Stars to come out trumps.