Couch Critic previews Titans v Knights, Dolphins v Cobras and Lions v Warriors in the opening round of CSA T20 Challenge matches including best bets with @Olimp_SA
CSA T20 CHALLENGE – 19 & 20 Feb
Hit and giggle cricket (i.e. T20’s) hardly gets my excitement levels into the red (especially on local front) but with the Proteas all available and sons of the soil – Morris and Harmer – returning to the Republic this promises to be a high-class affair. The prospect of Rabada vs Markram and Shamsi vs Miller are just two examples of the excitement that will be delivered on our screens over the next fortnight from Durban. The poor comp might not have a name sponsor, but it promises to deliver the action thick and fast.
Titans vs Knights, 19 Feb @ 10.00
The Titans roll out a star-studded line-up to compete for glory in KZN. De Bruyn, Davids, Elgar, Klaasen and Markam – wow! With the ball there is Shamsi, Ngidi and Dala with Morris and Harmer in support as well. Good luck beating this bunch… For the Knights it will no doubt be a David vs Goliath like encounter with only Pite van Biljon and Jacques Snyman involved in the national set-up of late.
Betolimp Best Bets
Player to score the Most Sixes – Pite van Biljon @ 13.00
Nice price about a man who looked in good touch recently for the Proteas.
Top Titans Batsman – Aiden Markram @ 3.75
The class of the field in my opinion and I will eb surprised if he misses out.
Top Knights Bowler – Shaun von Berg @ 3.75
Another relatively short price but the leggie is lethal against his fellow countrymen.
Man of the Match – Tabraiz Shamsi @ 15.00
Fresh of a Pakistan tour where he was the pick of the bunch with the ball. Shamsi should have returned with plenty of confidence, ready to dominate the local scene.
Dolphins vs Cobras, 19 Feb @ 14:30
The Dolphins will have Miller to power their batting and then a very handy bowling unit with quality spin as well as Frylinck and Dupavillion. The Cobras will look to Janneman Malan to keep polishing his growing pedigree and I’m excited to see Kyle Verreynne back involved. The talented youngster will be chomping at the bit for some game time.
Betolimp Best Bets
Top Cobras Batsman – Kyle Verreynne @ 5.00
Verreynne travelled to Pakistan to carry drinks and a towel, he would love to pile on the runs now that he has the chance to get into action on the pitch.
Top Cobras Bowler – S Mahima @ 5.00
Mahima did me proud in the 50 over format and I will stick to the left arm orthodox bowler to deliver.
Man of the Match – Keshav Maharaj @ 13.00
Maharaj is the leader of the pack at the Dolphins and should play a big part with the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few big hits at the death from Kesh either.
Lions vs Warriors, 20 Feb @ 10:00
The Lions have a seriously impressive squad to call on here. Rabada might be the big dog but Pretorius, Van der Dussen, Fortuin, Bavuma, Hendricks and Mulder are all often part of the national side. The Warriors on the other hand will be taking a knife to a gun fight in terms of squad depth and quality.
Betolimp Best Bets
Player to score the Most Sixes – WJ Lubbe @ 13.00
Lubbe at his best can clear the ropes with regularity. I’m expecting him to bat in the top 5 so there seems to be some value about his price.
Top Warriors Batsman – S Qeshile @ 5.50
I like the price about Qeshile. He was in good form recently and should hopefully get to the crease early on.
Top Lions Batsman – Ryan Rickelton @ 4.00
Rickelton didn’t get a look in in Pakistan but he left in super touch and I expect him to continue where he left things.
Man of the Match – Dwaine Pretorius @ 15.00
Fresh off record-breaking form with the ball Pretorius is likely to stride to the wicket with some time to add a few runs as well. This price looks big to me.
Additional Play:
Double – Titans onto Lions @ 2.36
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
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