Newlands is set to be a part of history as Tshwane Spartans take on Cape Town Blitz in the opening match of the Mzansi Super League in South Africa on Friday. Spartans, led by AB de Villiers, had an impressive warm-up game and beat Jozi Stars with the skipper contributing a fiery 93. Cape Town Blitz, on the other hand, lost to Paarl Rocks in their solo warm-up game but have a unique line-up that includes some underrated, yet good T20 players.
There is a bit of an unknown given that the competition is brand new and the players are still warming up to their teammates but in terms of quality, the two teams are exceptional which could result in a humdinger. The pitch should be a batting paradise with some nice pace and carry through to the keeper.
Conditions: Clear day with dew a possible factor due to high humidity.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Gihahn Cloete (8 cr)
The Tshwane Spartans wicket-keeper is the first-choice keeper for this match given that Quinton de Kock is still in Australia and would miss the first match of the T20 league. Cloete was the second highest run-scorer in the Momentum One Day Cup last year and is a good striker of the ball. He could play a key role in Spartans' maiden campaign.
Batsman: AB de Villiers (11 cr)
True to his reputation as a sensational player with immeasurable chutzpah, de Villiers warmed up for the tournament with a 31-ball 93 in the
Newlands is set to be a part of history as Tshwane Spartans take on Cape Town Blitz in the opening match of the Mzansi Super League in South Africa on Friday. Spartans, led by AB de Villiers, had an impressive warm-up game and beat Jozi Stars with the skipper contributing a fiery 93. Cape Town Blitz, on the other hand, lost to Paarl Rocks in their solo warm-up game but have a unique line-up that includes some underrated, yet good T20 players.
There is a bit of an unknown given that the competition is brand new and the players are still warming up to their teammates but in terms of quality, the two teams are exceptional which could result in a humdinger. The pitch should be a batting paradise with some nice pace and carry through to the keeper.
Conditions: Clear day with dew a possible factor due to high humidity.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Gihahn Cloete (8 cr)
The Tshwane Spartans wicket-keeper is the first-choice keeper for this match given that Quinton de Kock is still in Australia and would miss the first match of the T20 league. Cloete was the second highest run-scorer in the Momentum One Day Cup last year and is a good striker of the ball. He could play a key role in Spartans' maiden campaign.
Batsman: AB de Villiers (11 cr)
True to his reputation as a sensational player with immeasurable chutzpah, de Villiers warmed up for the tournament with a 31-ball 93 in the warm-up match against Jozi Stars. He will lead the Spartans and comes back after a long break which means he should be fresh and raring to go.
All-rounder: Robbie Frylinck (8.5 cr)
As soon as Ottis Gibson took charge of the Proteas outfit, Frylinck was brought into the T20I side for his experience. A fierce striker of the ball and a breakthrough bowler with a good repertoire of deliveries, Frylinck is tailor-made for this format of the game. The Spartans would look to give him a free-hand and this could see him don a vital role. Back him in your fantasy side.
Bowler: Samuel Badree (9 cr)
Badree's leg-spin and tight spells in the powerplay overs is often underrated. He has an IPL hat-trick and was among the most economical powerplay bowlers in the competition in the one season he shone for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The hard South African wickets should suit Badree's kind of bowling but his task would be cut out against the likes of de Villiers and co as he dons the Cape Town Blitz jersey for the first time.
Captain: AB de Villiers
Vice-captain: Robbie Frylinck
