Lions-NO vs Knights, CSA T20 2022, Today Match Prediction 20 February 2022

lions vs kng Match Prediction & Analysis

As the Lions take on the Knights in the 24th game of the CSA T20 Challenge 2022, both sides would be eager to win and avoid finishing at the bottom of the points table. The Lions lost to the Warriors in the last game and the Knights too fared poorly in their last game against Western Province.   

This game would have little impact on the overall standings of the tournament as both teams have failed miserably. They were expected to go the distance but they have let themselves down. In this fight at the bottom of the points table, it would be interesting to see which side emerges victorious. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Lions-NO Preview

Malusi Siboto’s side came into the season with lots of promise and a good squad but they have fared poorly. They went down by 5 wickets against the Warriors in their previous game. With one win so far the side cannot make it to the next round. This is their last game of the tournament and they would like to finish on a high. 

Reeza Hendricks played a good knock in the last game but he would need support from Kagiso Rapulana opening the batting. The middle-order has struggled and the trio of Shane Dadswell, Sisanda Magala, and Mitchell van Buuren must deliver the goods here. Runs would also be expected from Dominic Hendricks and Bjorn Fortuin down the order. 

Bjorn Fortuin and Malusi Siboto will have a very important role to play with the new ball and exploit Knights’ weaknesses at the top. Magala, Codi Yusuf, and Reeza Hendricks have to bowl better lines in this game after their poor performance against the Warriors. The side would also expect the likes of Tladi Bokako, van Buuren and Juan Landsberg to do well in the supporting role. 

Lions-NO Predicted Playing XI:

Malusi Siboto (c), Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rapulana, Shane Dadswell, Mitchell Van Buuren, Dominic Hendricks (wk), Sisanda Magala, Juan Landsberg, Bjorn Fortuin, Codi Yusuf, Tladi Bokako

Knights Preview

Pite van Biljon’s side comes into this contest with another loss. The side has struggled with the bat and they managed only 128 runs in the last game against Western Province going down by 6 wickets. They are out of contention for the semi-finals and shall be aiming for a better show against the Lions who have also been in poor form. 

CP Klijnhans and Jacques Snyman must start well as this has been one of the major weaknesses for the side so far in the season. Raynard van Tonder hasn’t scored runs and he must support his skipper van Biljon and Farhaan Behardien in the middle order. Patrick Kruger can score quick runs and the same would be expected from him and Mangaliso Mosehle here. 

Gerald Coetzee and Alfred Mothoa need to get them early breakthroughs and bowl tighter lines in this game Lions have good hitters of the ball. The side would also like to see Jacques Snyman, Nealan van Heerden, and Mbulelo Budaza bowl good spells and make use of the conditions to win this game.

Knights Predicted Playing XI:

Pite van Biljon (c), CP Klijnhans, Jacques Snyman, Patrick Kruger, Raynard van Tonder, Farhaan Behardien, Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), Gerald Coetzee, Mbulelo Budaza, Nealan van Heerden, Alfred Mothoa

Knights Actual Playing XI:

Jacques Snyman, Gregory Mahlokwana, CP Klijnhans, Nealan van Heerden, Patrick Botha, Migael Pretorius, PJ van Biljon, Farhaan Behardien, Mangaliso Mosehle, Alfred Mothoa, Patrick Kruger

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The skies over Port Elizabeth would be overcast on February 20 and there are chances of rains during the game. This would make the conditions tough for batting. The wicket has produced good seam and movement this season. The side batting first in this game would aim to put 170 runs on the board.

Venue Details

St George's Park, Port Elizabeth has a fast surface and fast bowlers have enjoyed a good record over the years. Batsmen have also done well as the ball comes onto the bat nicely. Spinners don’t get much from the surface and have found it challenging to bowl here.

Toss: To Bowl

The last six games have seen sides chasing the scores winning all of them. We have repeatedly seen batting conditions become easier as the game progresses. The side batting first would have little hesitation in opting to bowl first.