Warriors vs Cape Cobras, Momentum One Day Cup 2021, Today Match Prediction 27 Jan 2021

warriors vs cobras Match Prediction & Analysis

The second phase of the Momentum ODI cup is starting from 27th Jan. The tournament was reduced to 15 games earlier. Now, it has been reduced further to 13 games. Pool B matches have been reduced from 6 to 4 and the dates of the matches have been preponed as well.

In the first encounter in the Pool-B, Warriors will lock horns against Cape Cobras. Though Cape Cobras have a better history in the Momentum ODI cup, in the recent past Warriors have been better compared to Cobras in head-to-head games. The cobras had the worst season last time as they finished last after the pool games whereas Warriors went all the way to the semi-finals which were cancelled due to pandemic. Already a few matches have been washed out in this season. Hopefully, the Warriors and the Cobras would get a game on 27th Jan 2021 at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Warriors Preview

Warriors from Port Elizabeth have won the Momentum ODI cup once and have shared once so far. In the 2009-10 season, they defeated Cape Cobras in the semi-finals and Dolphins in the Finals to lift the championship for the first time. The tournament used to be of 40 overs then international players like Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince used to play for them. Warriors were called Chevrolet Warriors back then. In 2017-18, Warriors had to share the trophy with Dolphins as the Finals was washed out, even on the reserve day. Before the rains, they had reduced Dolphin to 154 for 6 by the 40th over and were looking all set to win the title.

Edward Moore led Warriors looks a balanced side with a couple of their top batsmen, Lesiba Ngoepe (300 runs in last 7 games at an average of 50) and Matthew Breetzke (266 runs in last 5 games at an average of 66.50), averaging above 50 in the recent past. Sinethemba Qeshile will handle the wicketkeeping role along with batting in the top order.

They will probably miss the services of Anrich Nortje and Lutho Sipamla who are on a national duty right now. JJ Smuts has been their top all-rounder over the years, and he will be looking to make an impact straight away. Stefan Tait (10 wickets in last 8 matches at an economy of 5.3) will lead the bowling attack. Warriors will play back-to-back games against Cobras today and Lions tomorrow.

Key Players: Lesiba Ngoepe, Matthew Breetzke, JJ Smuts, Stefan Tait

Warriors Predicted Playing XI:

Edward Moore (c), Matthew Breetzke , Sinethemba Qeshile (wk), Marco Marais, Yaseen Vallie, Lesiba Ngoepe, Jade de Klerk, Ayabulela Gqamane, Sisanda Magala, Glenton Stuurman, Stefan Tait

Cape Cobras Preview

Cape cobras have had a rich history in Momentum One Day cup, but they have not been consistent in the recent past. In the last 4 seasons, they have been able to qualify for the knock-outs only twice. On the remaining two occasions including the last season, the Cobras ended the at the bottom of the table after the league games. In the tournament’s history, the Cobras have won the championship twice (2006-07 and 2011-12 season) and have shared it twice in 2012-13 and 2013-14 season. From 2011 to 2013, the Cobras were in super form reaching the finals three consecutive times.

Zubayr Hamza, the right-handed batsman, will lead the team against Warriors under the able guidance of former international player Ashwell Prince who used to play for Warriors. Zubayr will lead the batting as he has been a top batsman for Cobras with 583 runs in 10 matches at an average of 58.30 and a strike rate close to 100. Peter and Janneman Malan will be key batsmen in the top order. Imran Manak (7 wickets in 3 games) and Jason Smith will lead the bowling attack. The cobras would like to start this tournament with a win.

Key Players: Zubayr Hamza, Peter Malan, Imran Manak, Jason Smith
 

Cape Cobras Predicted Playing XI:

Zubayr Hamza (C), Janneman Malan, Peter Malan, Hanno Kotze, Simon Khomari, Jason Smith, Aviwe Mgijima, George Linde, Rory Kleinveldt, Dane Piedt, Dane Paterson, Thando Ntini

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather does not look good for the match. It will be Cloudy with a couple of thunderstorms this afternoon. There is a 60% chance of rain today. The temperature will vary between 27°C to 19°C.

Venue Details

The venue for this match is Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. The picturesque ground has conducted international matches, however, it’s a favourite one the domestic season in South Africa. Many domestics cups including Momentum Cup has been played on this ground.

Toss: To Bat

It’s a batting wicket. In the 19 ODIs played so far on this ground, the team bowling first has won 10 matches whereas the team batting first has won 7 matches while 2 matches ended in no result. However, so far in the Momentum cup, the team batting first has won 3 out of 4 matches that yielded a result at this venue. Thus, the team winning the toss should look to Bat first here.