Knights vs Lions, CSA T20 Challenge 2019, Today Match Prediction 20 Apr 2019

kng vs lions Match Prediction & Analysis

The 18th game of CSA T20 Challenge 2019 will be one between two sides that have shown contrasting forms so far. Knights playing at their home ground Diamond Oval, Kimberley haven’t won a single game so far in the season and look to be struggling with their form. Lions on the other hand have been one of the best sides having won three games lost just once against the Cape Cobras. 

Knights have been struggling with their form since Momentum Cup and it would be a huge challenge for them in the next game. Lions are playing as a well-oiled machine and it would take a great effort to beat them in the upcoming game. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Knights Preview

Petrus van Biljon would be frustrated with his side at the moment. They wasted an opportunity to win the last game against the Cape Cobras losing it by 5 runs after having the game in their bag for most parts of it. With no win so far they are struggling at the moment and the skipper would want his side to overcome all their weaknesses in the next game. 

Opener Patrick Kruger played well in the last game and found good support from Raynard van Tonder. But the rest of the batsmen weren't able to live up to the challenge. In the next game the likes of Andries Gous, Petrus van Biljon, Grant Mokoena and Ryan McLaren will need score runs for the side to win.

Shadley van Schalkwyk and Tshepo Ntuli bowled extremely economical spells in the last game and McLaren also bowled well to pick up his two wickets. If there is good support from Ottniel Baartman and Gerald Coetzee the side would put up a stiff challenge for the Lions’ batsmen in the next game. 

Knights Predicted Playing XI:

Ryan McLaren, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Eddie Leie, Petrus van Biljon (c), Grant Mokoena, Tshepo Ntuli , Patrick Kruger, Andries Gous (wk), Ottniel Baartman, Raynard van Tonder, Gerald Coetzee

Lions Preview

Temba Bavuma would be happy with the performance his side put up against the Lions in the last against the Titans. They batted wonderfully to put up a huge score and when it came to their bowling they did keep the opponents under check. The skipper would be expecting his side to keep up with the same form in the next game. 

Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen set up a match winning partnership of 151 runs to set up a win for the side in the last game. Ryan Rickelton missed out in the last game but he has done well in the season in earlier games. The side has good depth in its batting with Dwaine Pretorius, Wiaan Mulder and Temba Bavuma having the required firepower to strike the ball hard. 

Bjorn Fortuin and Aaron Phangiso have been among the leading wicket takers this season and have helped their side register wins. Nono Pongolo also bowled well in the last. The side has good variety in its bowling with Dwaine Pretorius and Migael Pretorius being in the side and the two would be hoping to do well in the next game. 

Lions Predicted Playing XI:

Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Wiaan Mulder, Dwaine Pretorius, Nono Pongolo, Bjorn Fortuin, Migael Pretorius, Aaron Phangiso, Malusi Siboto

Weather Conditions

Two games have been washed out at this venue previously and it doesn’t look much encouraging for the game on 20th of April either. There is forecast for rain and the pitch would be a challenging one to bat on. The fast bowlers are likely to enjoy good assistance from the wicket and we expect to see a low scoring encounter. 

Venue

Diamond Oval, Kimberley is one of the best wickets to ball for the fast bowlers as the pitch offers early assistance. Batsmen have also had their fair share of success in this ground in the last few years. When they set their eyes in the wicket becomes easy one to bat on. 

Toss: To Bowl

There is forecast for rain and this will play into the minds of both the captains as they go out for the toss. A full game doesn’t seem to be on the cards and the team winning the toss would surely invite the opponents to bat as this will give them advantage while chasing.