Paarl Rocks vs Jozi Stars, Mzansi Super League 2018, Today Match Prediction 20 Nov 2018

pr vs js Match Prediction & Analysis

Mzansi Super League 2018 is the first version of the T20 league in South Africa. A month-long tournament ending on 16th Dec has 6 teams playing 32 matches.

As it stands now, Paarl Rocks and Jozi Stars have both played and lost a match before they face each other for the first time in the tournament on 20th November at Paarl Rock's home venue Boland Park.

While Paarl Rocks had nearly made it in their first encounter against Tshwane Spartans losing by just 1 run, Jozi Stars had to endure a comprehensive defeat at a home game against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants where they lost by 5 wickets at Wanderers. The game on Tuesday gives the Rocks and Stars an opportunity to open their account in this inaugural edition of Mzansi cricket League.

PAARL ROCKS PREVIEW

Paarl Rocks are one of the 6 teams participating the inaugural version of the Mzansi Super League with the national team captain Faf du Plessis in the leading role. The likes of DJ Bravo, Shamsi, Markram in addition to their captain make them a formidable team.

In their first encounter of the tournament, they were pitted against AB de Villiers led Tshwane Spartans. In the absence of Faf du Plessis on national duty, they were led by Henry Davids who elected bowl first after winning the toss.

On a flat deck, the Spartans’ opener reached 100 runs in just 10 overs. The team then built on that solid foundation to put up a target of 204. The Rocks looked on course up until the end only to lose by a run chasing 13 in the last over. They will be looking to make amends to the close defeat at home on Tuesday against the Stars.

Probable Starting XI:

Henry Davids (c), Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), Cameron Delport, Dane Paterson, Dwayne Bravo, Grant Thomson, Kerwin Mungroo, Michael Klinger, Patrick Kruger, Tabraiz Shamsi, Vaughn van Jaarsveld

JOZI STARS PREVIEW

Dane Vilas must have been a happy guy when he heard that he would be leading a team with Chris Gayle as it’s opening batsmen. They have one of the most celebrated ground in South Africa – the Wanderers – as their home ground.

The first game wasn’t a good one for though. They scored just 124 against the Giants and lost the game with 2 two overs to spare. Beuran Hendricks starred with just 13 runs in 4 overs picking two crucial wickets at the start of the Giants innings. But the 75-run exploit by Ben Duckett sealed an easy win for the Giants.

Daniel Christian was a big disappointment for the Stars. He is a big player in T20 but failed miserably in both departments. After failing with the bat, he gave away 35 runs in 3 overs defending a small total of 124.

The Jozi Stars would have to improve their batting if they want to register their first win of the tournament.

Probable Starting XI:  

 Dane Vilas (c/wk), Chris Gayle, Beuran Hendricks, Calvin Savage, Daniel Christian, Duanne Olivier, Eddie Leie, Nono Pongolo, Petrus van Biljon, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton

Weather Conditions

Both teams scored above 200 in the previous match here at Paarl. The conditions are expected to be as flat in this encounter as well. The hitters, especially Chris Gayle, might find it easier to hit through the line here. A better bowling side has a better chance of getting through on such conditions.

Batting first would be a good option here for the team looking to put the runs on the board. But knowing the target and getting there in flat conditions is always a confidence booster. The team winning the toss should look to bowl first like the Rocks did in the first game and almost pulled it off.

Toss: To Bowl