Cricket: Momentum One Day Cup Season Preview
The 39th edition of the Momentum One Day Cup gets under way on January 31st with the six biggest franchise sides in South African cricket facing off. Whilst one-day cricket in South Africa is in a period of relative transition, this competition has always been the breeding ground for future stars in both domestic and international cricket. With 33 matches to be played before now and the final on March 21st, it promises to be a fascinating six weeks of cricket.
Team Previews:-
Titans
- 2019 Result – Winners
- Key Players: Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar & Aiden Markram
- Outright Winner Odds: 2.50
Titans dominated throughout the competition last season and with plenty of their biggest names still in their ranks, they look well set to go all the way once more. The experience of the likes of Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis and Dean Elgar coupled with the fire power of Quinton de Kock, make them obvious favourites once again this year.
Dolphins
- 2019 Result – 2nd
- Key Players: David Miller, Keshav Maharaj & Andile Phehlukwayo
- Outright Winner Odds: 4.00
The Dolphins enjoyed an excellent campaign last year but were well beaten by the all-conquering Titans. They only lost 4 matches during the regular season and look to have a real blend of youth and experience. In Keshav Maharaj they have the premier spinner in the competition and if he hits his straps, he can be devastating on his day.
Lions
- 2019 Result – 6th
- Key Players: Kagiso Rabada, Temba Bavuma & Rassie van der Dussen
- Outright Winner Odds: 4.00
Despite finishing last season bottom of the pile, there is a real sense of optimism around the Lions currently. With a side full of test match quality players and an increasing amount of players within their squad getting recognition from the national side – they look to have a team capable of challenging. The run making capabilities of Rassie van der Dussen and pace bowling of Kagiso Rabada will be central to their hopes this season.
Cape Cobras
- 2019 Result – 4th
- Key Players: Hashim Amla, Vernon Philander & Dane Paterson
- Outright Winner Odds: 4.00
The Cape Cobras have one of the most experienced sides in the competition and they will be hoping to put that to good use. Led by coach Ashwell Prince, the Cobras have plenty of run scoring options most notably in the form of Hashim Amla whilst in Dane Paterson and Vernon Philander they possess a potent bowling attack and as such are a side to watch in 2020.
Warriors
- 2019 Result – 3rd
- Key Players: Anrich Nortje, JJ Smuts & Christiaan Jonker
- Outright Winner Odds: 7.00
The Warriors performed miracles to make it into the top 3 last season and they will be hoping for more of the same in this campaign, Captain JJ Smuts is always a threat in any game he plays whilst Anrich Nortje’s stock rose significantly in the recent test series with England but they will be very much outsiders to win the competition this year.
Knights
- 2019 Result – 5th
- Key Players: Pite van Biljon, Keegan Petersen & Andries Gous
- Outright Winner Odds: 8.00
The Knights have lost a plethora of key players during the off season and they look to have their work cut out going into the 2020 campaign. Captain Pite van Biljon will always marshal his troops with aplomb and whilst Keegan Petersen and Andries Gous can be very dangerous with the bat, they just don’t look to have enough strength in depth this year.
BetXChange Best Bets:
Top Pick: Titans – 2.50
Outside Pick: Lions – 4.00
