mzansilogoCouch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League match between Durban Heat and Jozi Stars which takes place on Tuesday 10th December

 

 

 

 

DURBAN HEAT vs JOZI STARS - Durban (Tuesday, 10 December – 17:30)

 

The Durban Heat face the win-less Stars in Durban as they seek to complete an incredible comeback by sneaking into the MSL playoffs right at the death.

 

Setting the Scene:

 

The Heat were slow out of the blocks but a strong surge toward the end now see them with a very realistic shot of sliding into a third-place finish and in so doing keep themselves alive in the tournament as we move into knockout week. They have gone undefeated over their past four encounters.

The team standing in the way of the Heat and their date with an eliminator clash against the Giants is the hapless Jozi Stars. The defending champions have endured an absolute shocker of a tournament going the entire competition without a single victory to their name.

The Jozi Stars might have lost most of their fans along the line during their shocking 2019 campaign but there is one group that will be supporting them whole heartedly to chalk up their very first “W” of the tournament and that is the Tshwane Spartans and their supporters. The Spartans have completed their allocation of ten games and can now only sit and hope that the Gauteng side can trip up the Durbanites and keep them in third spot.

 

Let’s Talk Tactics:

 

The Stars are yet to fire a shot in anger. Their batsmen just haven’t found their best form with the bat and their bowling has been even worse. Rabada has been far from his best and the likes of Olivier and Williams have gone for plenty. The Jozi lads come into this clash having played their last match on 01 December and the vibe in the camp must be terrible after the horror show of a 2019 campaign.

The Heat are still alive in this comp thanks mainly to their batsmen who have put in three superb chases of late. Against the Rocks Alex Hales finally came to the party. Before this Miller, Villas and Lubbe have all added valuable contributions. Bowling wise the Durban boys still need more from the likes of Abbott, Siboto and Phelukwayo if they are to have a chance of winning the trophy.

 

Verdict:

 

In his last outing on his home track Kesh Maharaj returned figures of 3/15 in his four overs. He let me down in this market last time out but at Kingsmead I am willing to give the left arm tweaker another go. The English power hitter finally got his willow warmed up in Paarl and I’m looking for Hales to now keep the runs flowing.

For the struggling Jozi Stars I will back Reeza Hendricks to get amongst the runs. Along with Bavuma, Hendricks has been the biggest run contributor for the Jozi side and I reckon the Protea will want to sign off on a positive note.

Lastly, this Heat team are in a mean mood at present and they pack plenty of power all the way down their line-up. I am taking them to score the most sixes in Durbs.

 

Betolimp Bets:

Top Heat Bowler – K Maharaj @ 3.75

Top Heat Batsman – A Hales @ 3.75

Top Stars Batsman – R Hendricks @ 3.75

To score most sixes – Durban Heat @ 1.78

 

(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!