Couch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League match between Cape Town Blitz and Durban Heat which takes place on Thursday 28th November
CAPE TOWN BLITZ vs DURBAN HEAT - Cape Town (Thursday, 28 November – 17:30)
The Blitz were out the blocks like they were late for a train yet have lost their last two matches and now need a victory over the win-less Durban Heat to try and ensure they don’t miss the train and keep pace with the top half of the log. We’ve moved past the halfway mark in the competition and things will certainly heat up at Newlands on Thursday for this one.
Setting the Scene:
The Heat have managed six log points but all of those have come due to the weather rather than by performing with bat or ball. After a miserable inaugural Mzansi Super League it’s been more of the same for the Durbanites in 2019. When they have managed to get onto the park the batsmen haven’t been able to dominate attacks with few innings of note whilst the bowling unit have yet to come together and deliver a good showing. In the reverse fixture in Durban the Heat only stayed remotely in the contest thanks to a smashing individual knock from Wihan Lubbe. All the bowlers bar Siboto took a hammering on that occasion.
The Cape Town Blitz starting the tournament strong and seemed to have few chinks in their armour. On the last two occasions their batsmen failed to put the boot in after strong starts. Steyn and his colleagues have continued picking up a number of wickets yet have also leaked runs of late.
Let’s Talk Tactics:
The Cape Town outfit look the complete package from the side lines. They have two bashing openers as well as the likes of Livingstone and Asif Ali who have shown they know how to hit the maximums later on. Ashwell Prince does however have a bit of an issue in terms of finding the necessary balance to his side as number 6 is without doubt too high for Vernon Philander to bat.
Firstly, Durban Heat will be happy to know the weather looks brilliant for the Cape this week. Secondly, they need their high profile players like Hales and Miller to come to the party in a big way. Maharaj has looked good but he needs both Siboto and Abbott to back him up at Newlands on a track where visiting spinners have done well but the home seamers of the Blitz have also had their moments to shine.
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Verdict:
The Blitz have come unstuck over the past week or so but I’m expecting them to bounce back on Thursday. The Cape Town openers have proven that they, more often than not, give their wickets away somewhere along the line. Thus its worth backing someone like Liam Livingstone who has shown glimpses of class. On the other side of the fence Dane Villas has been missing in action yet the captain of the Heat will know it’s now or never for his side and should be keen to lead by example. It might have been a case of a one-hit-wonder for Lubbe in Durban against this same opponent, but at a decent price I will have a nibble on the lefty to pick up a few big ones. Lastly Big Vern played a decent hand with the willow at the last time of asking. He might well add a few lusty blows to a little cameo with the bat and if he follows that up with a tidy bowling effort he might not be the worst play as a Man of the Match candidate.
Betolimp Bets:
Top Blitz Batsman – L Livingstone @ 5.50
Top Heat Batsman – D Villas @ 6.60
Player to score most sixes – W Lubbe @ 14.50
Man of the Match – I V Philander @ 21.00
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
