Dolphins vs Lions, Momentum One Day Cup 2021, Today Match Prediction 04 Feb 2021

dolphins vs lions Match Prediction & Analysis

The most awaited Final of the Momentum Cup 2020-21 will be played between the Dolphins and the Imperial Lions on 4th February 2021 at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. The Dolphins beat the Cape Cobras by 3 wickets to reach their third successive final. On the other hand, the Lions advanced to the final based on their points in pool B after the second semifinal was abandoned. The two teams will be meeting for the first time in the finals.

The Dolphins won the toss and elected to field in the first semi-final. The Cape Cobras barely managed to score 196 runs against the lethal attack of the Dolphins. Chasing 197, The Dolphins were 5 wickets down for 58. But the 112 runs partnership between Senuran Muthusamy and Robbie Frylinck changed the wind in favour of the Lions. The Lions won the game with 3 wickets and 45 balls in hand.

The second semi-final between the Imperial Lions and the Knights was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. The Lions advanced to the semis based on their 14 points in the 4 games from Pool B. The Dolphins will be touching the trophy for the third time in 4 years if they beat the Lions. On the other hand, a victory over the Dolphins will give the Lions their chance to reclaim the trophy after a gap of 4 years.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Dolphins Preview

The reigning champions Dolphins will enter the final with their undefeated status. The promotion of wicket-keeper Mangaliso Mosehle to open the inning backfired in the semi. Therefore the Dolphins might opt to go back to Marques Ackerman to open with Grant Roelofsen. Roelofsen continued his form in the semi with 34 runs in 57 balls. He is currently second in the most runs table with 191 runs in 3 matches at an average of 63.66 and has a chance to claim the top spot. The Dolphins middle-order failed to create any magic. Ruan de Swart and Khaya Zondo could add 13 runs under the absence of David Miller. The team management will be looking for a solid response from the two in case Miller won’t be available for selection.

The Dolphins must be in awe of their bowlers Senuran Muthusamy and Robbie Frylinck. Frylinck took 2 wickets for 25 runs at an economy of 2.68 while Muthusamy also took wickets for 34 runs at an economy of 3.78. They didn’t stop there. After losing 5 wickets for 58, Frylinck and Muthusamy scored 57 and 62 respectively to help the Dolphins win by 3 wickets with 45 balls to spare.

Ottniel Baartman will lead the bowling department with Captain Prenelan Subrayen. The pair took 5 wickets including Bartman’s 3 for 15 in 5 overs. The other duo, Kerwin Mungroo, and Eathan Bosch will fill the remaining spot for the Dolphins

Key Players:  Ottniel Baartman, Senuran Muthusamy, Robbie Frylink

Dolphins Predicted Playing XI:

Prenelan Subrayen (C), Grant Roelofsen, Marques Ackerman, Ruan de Swart, Mangaliso Mosehle, Eathan Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Khaya Zondo, Robbie Frylink, Kerwin Mungroo, Ottniel Baartman

Lions Preview

The Lions lost their last game against the Cape Cobras by 76 runs. Chasing 284, they managed to score 208 only. The team management will want players to forget the one-off game to focus on the final. Reeza Hendricks has failed to live up to the expectations. He has scored 24 runs in 4 games for the Lions. The SA international with experience of 46 games must give a good start for the Lions with Kagiso Rapulana. Ryan Rickelton might be chosen above him who has 151 runs in his pocket at an average of 75.50 while opening for the Lions.

Lions have found a stable force in Dominic Hendricks who has scored 167 runs in 4 games and currently their leading run-scorer. The middle-order will be comprised of Mitchell van Buuren, Nickey van den Bergh, and Delano Potgieter. Potgieter who has scored 159 runs in 4 games at an average of 79.50 will be the key for the Lions in case the top-order fails.

Bjorn Fortuin, Sisanda Mangala, and Aaron Phangiso will team up in the bowling department. The trio has taken 17 wickets so far. The only problem Lions will be facing is the economy of Mangala. He has been expensive in the last 2 games and hence needs to work on his line and length.

Key players: Delano Potgieter, Dominic Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton

Lions Predicted Playing XI:

Aaron Phangiso (C), Ryan Rickelton, Wesley Marshall, Mitchell van Buuren, Dominic Hendricks, Nicky van den Bergh, Delano Potgieter, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortin, Malusi Siboto, Elderd Hawken.

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather at Potchefstroom will be around 88-96% humid and cloudy. The temperature will be as high as 22°C to a low of 17°C. The wind will be gusting at around 15-26 km/h. A thunderstorm is expected in the day as well as in the night. The chance of rain is 50 to 90%.

Venue Details

Senwes Park. Potchefstroom is famous for some of the best chases in International cricket. Earlier known as the Sedgars Park, the venue can accommodate 18000 spectators.

Toss: To Bat

The Senwes Park is famous for its second inning chases in international one-day cricket. But the team that batted first has won seven out of the nine games played here this season. Therefore, the team winning the toss should bat first here.