Couch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League match between Jozi Stars and Cape Town Blitz which takes place on Friday 8th November
JOZI STARS vs CAPE TOWN BLITZ - Johannesburg (Friday, 08 November – 17:30)
The defending champions get the second edition of the Mzansi Super League underway by hosting the Cape Town Blitz in Johannesburg on Friday.
Setting the Scene:
The defending champions have a squad that look like they mean business yet again in 2019. Protea star, Rabada, will hardly have to carry the team on his own shoulders. Van der Dussen, Harmer and Dan Christian are all experienced customers who know their role and have perfected their craft.
There is a distinctly international flavour about the Cape Town men this season. Quinton de Kock will hold plenty of danger for the Jozi boys but alongside him there are the likes of Englishmen Liam Livingstone and Moheen Ali as well as Pakistanis Asif Ali and Mohammad Nawaz.
Let’s Talk Tactics:
Nortje, Steyn, Magala and Philander will be excited by the opportunity to be let off the leash at “the Bull-ring”. Linde and Nawaz offer the variation with the ball whilst Ashwill Prince will be hoping he has enough at his disposal to back up Quiney in the batting department.
The Universe Boss is a fan favourite wherever he goes and SA is no different. The big West Indian will however know himself that he hasn’t really shown the country his very best. Locals Bavuma, Reeza and Rassie are on hand to help the big man out. KG Rabada should be happy to be back on home turf and with a bouncy track at his disposal. Duanne Olivier is also sure to send a few whistling past noses whilst the Harmer-Phangiso combo could prove tough to get away.
Verdict:
The Blitz are likely to be a tough nut to crack this season but I have to give the defending champions the edge for the opener. They seem to have their bases well covered this season and its now only a case of players hitting form and tactics being right on the day.
Temba Bavuma will skipper the side and I expect him to play in the top 3 and look to do the role of batsman who is tasked with holding the innings together whilst others play at a higher tempo around him. Whilst the quick men love playing at the Wanderers it is the spinners who have often proven to be the big wicket takers especially in South Africa with players less adept at attacking spin. Lastly, I am expecting batsmen to start the tournament a touch rusty and less sixes than anticipated could be the result.
Betolimp Bets:
To win the game – Jozi Stars @ 1.81
Total Match Sixes Under 15.5 @ 1.83
Best Stars Bowler – A Phangiso @ 6.00
Best Blitz Bowler – G Linde @ 5.50
Man of the Match – T Bavuma @ 20.00
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
