MSL 2018, Match 7, Cape Town Blitz vs Nelson Mandela Bay Giants: Preview and Predicted Playing XI
Table toppers Cape Town Blitz are set to host Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in the seventh fixture of Mzansi Super League 2018 at the Newlands in Cape Town on Wednesday, November 21.
Both Blitz and Giants are coming on the back of impressive wins against Durban Heat and Jozi Stars respectively. Where the Blitz outplayed Durban by three wickets, Giants won their encounter by five wickets.
Cape Town Blitz
Cape Town Blitz started off their MSL 2018 campaign with a dominant performance against Tshwane Spartans which was followed by an impressive win against Heat. They will be boosted with a lot of confidence ahead of this clash.
Batting
Asif Ali announced his arrival in the MSL 2018 with a heartwarming 33-ball 80 against Durban Heat and he will be expected to play a similar knock here. While Kyle Verreynne cracked an unbeaten 53 in the tournament opener against Spartans, He along with Mohammad Nawaz will hold the key in middle order. Skipper David Malan's underwhelming performances might be a matter of concern for the management and he will be eager to answer his critics with a big knock.
Bowling
In this department, Blitz will bank on the pace trio of Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje and Ferisco Adams to do the damage. Nortje is coming off a splendid four-fer in the last match, and he will be backed by his skipper to replicate his performance against Giants. While. Adams had a good outing at this ground against the Spartans and him along with Dale Steyn to chip in early breakthroughs.
Expected Playing XI
Dawid Malan (C), Kyle Verreynne, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Sibonelo Makhanya, Ferisco Adams, George Linde, Malusi Siboto, Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje and Janneman Malan.
Nelson Mandela Bay Giants
Bay Giants were absolutely clinical in both the batting and bowling departments Jozi Stars as they secured a comfortable with.
Batting
Ben Duckett was their key performer against Jozi Star as he scored 75 runs off just 45 balls to steer his side to victory and he will be expected to play a similar knock here. Apart from him, none of the batsmen managed even 20-run mark. Openers Marco Marais and skipper JJ Smuts were out for a duck and it will be essential that these two provide decent contributions at the top order.
Bowling
After failing on batting front, Smuts played his part in bowling, as he notched up three wickets against the Stars and the skipper is expected to trouble the Blitz with his left-arm spin. Except him, Junior Dala and Ryan McLaren are the other bowlers in the lineup, with the ability to trouble any batting unit on their day and both these players will be the biggest threats during the initial overs.
Expected Playing XI
JJ Smuts (C), Marco Marais, Aaron Phangiso, Ryan Mclaren, Ben Duckett, Heino Kuhn, Christiaan Jonker, Rudi Second, Sisanda Magala, Lizaad Williams and Junior Dala.