Match 25 of the Mzansi Super League will see the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants hosting the Tshwane Spartans at home in a bid to strengthen their case for top three finish. The last time these two teams met each other, the Giants emerged victorious by seven wickets (D/L method). Moreover, they have won two out of the three completed matches at home. So, the Giants have the mental edge as well as home advantage in their favour in this match. They are now placed safely at the second position in the points table.
The Spartans, on the other hand, are managing to stay alive in the competition somehow. They have kept their hopes alive with a win over Paarl Rocks in the last match. They are now placed 5th on the points table with 12 points to their name. They are coming into this match on the back of a victory and hence would like to take that confidence into this match.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Saturday morning can experience a little rainfall otherwise the weather will remain clear for the rest of the day. It is generally a high scoring ground but the morning shower might have some effect on the conditions. So, an average score of 150 can be expected.
Predicted Line Ups:
Nelson Mandela Bay Giants: JJ Smuts (c), Jason Roy, Rudi Second (wk), Ben Duckett, Heino Kuhn, Christiaan Jonker, Ryan McLaren, Carmi le Roux, Junior Dala, Sisanda Magala, Imran Tahir
Tshwane Spartans: Gihahn Cloete (wk), Dean
Match 25 of the Mzansi Super League will see the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants hosting the Tshwane Spartans at home in a bid to strengthen their case for top three finish. The last time these two teams met each other, the Giants emerged victorious by seven wickets (D/L method). Moreover, they have won two out of the three completed matches at home. So, the Giants have the mental edge as well as home advantage in their favour in this match. They are now placed safely at the second position in the points table.
The Spartans, on the other hand, are managing to stay alive in the competition somehow. They have kept their hopes alive with a win over Paarl Rocks in the last match. They are now placed 5th on the points table with 12 points to their name. They are coming into this match on the back of a victory and hence would like to take that confidence into this match.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Saturday morning can experience a little rainfall otherwise the weather will remain clear for the rest of the day. It is generally a high scoring ground but the morning shower might have some effect on the conditions. So, an average score of 150 can be expected.
Predicted Line Ups:
Nelson Mandela Bay Giants: JJ Smuts (c), Jason Roy, Rudi Second (wk), Ben Duckett, Heino Kuhn, Christiaan Jonker, Ryan McLaren, Carmi le Roux, Junior Dala, Sisanda Magala, Imran Tahir
Tshwane Spartans: Gihahn Cloete (wk), Dean Elgar, Andrea Agathangelou, AB de Villiers (c), Eoin Morgan, Tony de Zorzi, Robbie Frylinck, Shaun von Berg, Jeevan Mendis, Lutho Sipamla, Rory Kleinveldt
Player Recommendations:
Wicket Keeper: Gihahn Cloete (8.5 cr)
He is one of the top five run getters of the tournament so far. He has played some very good knocks which includes a couple of terrific match winning innings. His role at the top of the order will be very crucial for Spartans in this match once again.
All-Rounder: JJ Smuts (9 cr)
Smuts has been the Giants' best batsman so far. He has 182 runs to his name which includes two fifties as well. He is coming into this match on the back of a superb knock of 62 runs against Durban Heat. He would like to continue his good run of form in this match as well.
All-Rounder: Jeevan Mendis (8.5 cr)
Mendis hasn't had the opportunity to show his batting skills in this tournament but has always found himself amongst the wickets in almost every match. The Sri Lankan is the highest wicket taker in the tournament with 15 wickets to his name. He is expected to do the same for the Spartans in this match as well.
Bowler: Lutho Sipamla (8 cr)
Sipamla has built a terrific bowling partnership with Mendis for the Spartans and that is summed up by the fact that he is only the second highest wicket taker in the tournament, behind Mendis, with 12 wickets to his name. He bowled very well in the reverse fixture against the Giants and is expected to do well this time as well.
Captain: Gihahn Cloete
Vice-Captain: Jeevan Mendis
