Cricket: Mzansi Super League Season Preview
The second edition of the Mzansi Super League gets under way on November 8th with the six biggest franchise sides in South African cricket facing off. The global reach of T20 cricket is at an all-time high and appetite for the game is as high in South Africa as anywhere across the world.
With 32 matches to be played before now and the final on December 16th, it promises to be a fascinating six weeks of cricket.
Team Previews:-
Jozi Stars
- 2018 Result – Winners
- Key Players: Temba Bavuma, Chris Gayle & Kagiso Rabada
- Outright Winner Odds: 3.00
2018 winners Jozi Stars look well set to defend their title this year having kept the nucleus of their winning team together. Chris Gayle will only be available for 6 games but his presence should be a huge help and with the experience of the likes of Dan Christian and Simon Harmer outside of the big names in Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma, they look to have the most rounded squad this year.
Tshwane Spartans
- 2018 Result – 5th
- Key Players: AB De Villiers, Tom Curran & Lungi Ndidi
- Outright Winner Odds: 3.50
Mark Boucher’s Tshwane Spartans endured a disappointing campaign in 2018 but look to have recruited wisely this term. AB De Villiers needs no introduction and his batting ability makes the Spartans one of the front runners this term whilst Tom Curran and Lungi Ndidi head a young but dangerous bowling attack.
Cape Town Blitz
- 2018 Result – Runners-Up
- Key Players: Quinton de Kock, Dale Steyn & Moeen Ali
- Outright Winner Odds: 4.50
Last year’s group winners Cape Town Blitz look set to go well again in 2019 as they look to banish the painful memories of their final defeat to the Jozi Stars. They will once again be led by Quinton de Kock and with the likes of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander in their ranks, they have plenty of experience to call upon.
Durban Heat
- 2018 Result – 6th
- Key Players: Alex Hales, Dale Vilas & David Miller
- Outright Winner Odds: 5.00
Following their disappointing showing last season, Durban Heat will be eager to show the world what they can do in 2019. Captain Dane Vilas is a T20 stalwart all over the world and with the big hitting duo of Alex Hales and David Miller in their ranks too, they will feel anything is possible this season.
Nelson Mandela Bay Giants
- 2018 Result – 4th
- Key Players: Imran Tahir, Jason Roy & Chris Morris
- Outright Winner Odds: 5.00
A side very much on the periphery last season, the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants will be hoping to kick on from last year’s 4th placed finish. The have fire power in their ranks in the form of England opener Jason Roy whilst Imran Tahir provides a valuable spin option and Chris Morris is capable of winning any game with bat or ball; a potential outsider in this year’s competition.
Paarl Rocks
- 2018 Result – 3rd
- Key Players: Faf du Plessis, Dwaine Pretorius& JP Duminy
- Outright Winner Odds: 5.00
With a third place finish to build on last year, Paarl Rocks will fancy their chances in 2019. They were robbed of the opportunity to contest last season’s eliminator by the weather and they will be hoping they can right that wrong this term. They have lost David Willey and Aiden Markham already due to injury but have plenty of fire power should they need it this season.
BetXChange Best Bets:
Top Pick: Jozi Stars – 3.00
Outside Pick: Nelson Mandela Bay Giants – 5.00
