Lions vs Dolphins, CSA T20 Challenge 2019, Today Match Prediction 01 May 2019

lions vs dolphins Match Prediction & Analysis

The first semi-final of 2019 CSA T20 Challenge will see table toppers Lions take on the Dolphins at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Lions have had an incredible season where they have dominated with the bat and the ball. For the Dolphins it has been a hit and miss season where they have managed to win only three games and their bowling attack has looked inept at times. 

In recent games, the Lions have dominated the Dolphins with a 4-1 win record in the last five games including one this season. Dolphins would have to play out of their skins if they want to pose a stiff challenge for the Lions.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Lions Preview

Temba Bavuma would be pleased with the performance of his side in the last game against the Titans. The fact that they ended the run for one of the pre-tournament favorites would give them great confidence going into the next game. The skipper would hope his side carries on with the same momentum as they have shown in the last few games.  

Ryan Rickelton played a great knock in the last game. He found good support from Rassie van der Dussen and the skipper Bavuma. The side has batted well in the season with Reeza Hendricks also being among the runs. What makes their batting even stronger is the presence of Wiaan Mulder and Dwaine Pretorius in the lower order as they have great hitting abilities. 

Bjorn Fortuin has bowled well this season and in the last game Migael Pretorius, Lizaad Williams and Wiaan Mulder impressed with their bowling. The side boasts of many all-rounders and this adds to the strength of their bowling attack.

Lions Predicted Playing XI:

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

Lions Actual Playing XI:

Nono Pongolo, Aaron Phangiso, Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Dwaine Pretorius, Lizaad Williams, Willem Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Rassie van der Dussen, Migael Pretorius, Temba Bavuma

Dolphins Preview

It was a remarkable win for Khaya Zondo’s team against the Cape Cobras in the last game. This win allowed them to make it to the semi-finals ahead of the Titans. As they take on Lions in the next game the side would have to really play well. They had lost against the Lions earlier and this is likely to play in their minds. 

Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Morne van Wyk are looking good at the top of the line-up. Cody Chetty and Khaya Zondo also make a good middle order for the side and with the likes of Andile Phehlukwayo and Senuran Muthusamy towards the end of the innings the side has a batting order that can win the upcoming game. 

Keshav Maharaj was incredible in the last game with the ball and almost singlehandedly won it for the side. Daryn Dupavillon, Prenelan Subrayen, and Senuran Muthusamy also bowled well in the last game. The side has struggled with its bowling earlier in the season and they would feel positive during the next game. 

Dolphins Predicted Playing XI:

Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Morne van Wyk (wk), Cody Chetty, Khaya Zondo (c), Andile Phehlukwayo, Senuran Muthusamy, Sibonelo Makhanya, Robbie Frylinck, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Daryn Dupavillon

Dolphins Actual Playing XI:

P Subrayen, Sibonelo Makhanya, C Chetty, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Daryn Dupavillon, Mv Wyk, Khaya Zondo, Robbie Frylinck, VBV Jaarsveld

Weather Conditions

The forecast is for clear skies at Johannesburg on May 01. The pitch is expected to be drier than we have seen in earlier games. It will be a good track to bat on as has been the case in the past as well. The side batting first would need a score of 170 plus to feel comfortable in this game.

VENUE

The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg has been a paradise for batsmen over the years. The ball comes onto the bat nicely and it is easy to hit through the line. The bowlers always find it difficult to bowl on this surface as the quick outfield leaves no room for error.

Toss: To Bat

Most captains in the past have elected to bat first on this surface after winning the toss as it allows them to set up a big score and defend. With the pitch expected to be a flat one for the next game the side winning the toss should have no hesitation in batting first on this surface.