MSL T20 2018, Match 3, Durban Heat vs Cape Town Blitz, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

Hashim Amla returns to the action after missing the Australia tour.

Published - 17 Nov 2018, 19:30 IST | Updated - 17 Nov 2018, 19:30 IST

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The action shifts to Kingsmead in Durban in the inaugural edition of the Mzansi Super League (MSL). Cape Town Blitz and Durban Heat will lock horns in the third game of the tournament as it enters into its first weekend. The Bllit have got off to a great start to their season as they defeated Tshwane Spartans led by the evergreen AB de Villiers in the season opener.

They will be keen on continuing the good job and look a really strong unit even without the absence of the players from the national team. The first game saw Mohammad Nawaz and Kyle Verryenne scoring half-centuries and the duo will be expected to do the job once again. Jason Smith is an exciting batsman and will be the player to watch out for in this tournament.

As far as the Durban Heat are concerned, even they will be bereft of the star players in this game. Albie Morkel is their skipper and has the likes of Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma in the team. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller are also part of the setup and will be soon joining the team. Having said that, they have the potential to trump any side on the given day and it will be interesting to see how they fare in their opening match.

Pitch and Conditions

Rain gods are likely to make their presence felt in this encounter. The chances of rain keep on increasing as the day progresses and an 11 AM start with a cloudy day should help the bowlers early on it seems. Though the Kingsmead wicket has always been full of runs and both the teams will hope for a similar wicket.

Team Combinations

Durban Heat

Durban Heat will bank on experienced players to do wonders for them. Hashim Amla, Morne van Wyk are veterans while the likes of Sarel Erwee, Temba Bavuma and Khaya Zondo will be looking to go bonkers from the word go. The bowling attack looks good though with the presence of Vernon Philander, Kyle Abbott and Marchant de Lange. Keshav Maharaj is the only spinner in the line-up.

David Miller and Klaasen will join the squad as their Australia tour has concluded on Saturday and it is unlikely that they will straight away play this game. More importantly Rashid Khan will not play probably for the first few days as he will be featuring in the T10 League in the UAE which will commencing on November 21.

Probable XI: Albie Morkel (C), Hashim Amla, Sarel Erwee, Temba Bavuma, Morne van Wyk, Khaya Zondo, Prenelan Subrayen, Vernon Philander, Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj, Marchant de Lange.

Cape Town Blitz

Dale Steyn is available for his game which might prompt the Blitz to make one change to their winning combination. The opening duo of Dawid Malan and Janneman Malan though will be expected to fare better in this encounter and the in-form middle-order will be once again key for them. It also remains to be seen if Nawaz bats at five like he did in the tournament opener.

The bowling attack also settled for them even as Quinton de Kock and Farhaan Behardien continue to be unavailable. They will most likely join the squad for the next game and then the team will look even stronger.

Probable XI: Dale Steyn (C), Dawid Malan, Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne, Jason Smith, Mohammad Nawaz, Anrich Nortje, Sibonelo Makhanya/Malusi Siboto, George Linde, Ferisco Adams, Dane Piedt.