Couch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League match between Nelson Mandela Bay Giants and Paarl Rocks which takes place on Wednesday 27th November
NELSON MANDELA BAY GIANTS vs PAARL ROCKS
Port Elizabeth (Wednesday, 27 November – 17:30)
We’ve seen some local sides struggle to get going in the Mzansi Super League but the Giants and the Rocks don’ t count amongst those as they sit in the top two spots.
Setting the Scene:
The Paarl Rocks travel to PE with the intention of inflicting the first loss on the table-topping Giants. A fifth victory for the Eastern Cape side will see them go well clear of the chasing pack as we pass the halfway mark in the tournament.
The Giants have dominated all before them in 2019. In both their last outings the Giants claimed victory in the final over after looking at times like they would really struggle to get over the line. It’s a sign of a good team when you are able to pull victory from the jaws of defeat and it’s thus no surprise to see the NMB Giants as firm favourites with the bookies at this stage.
The Rocks boys come off two straight victories having miraculously defended 133 against the Jozi Stars in Paarl and 163 in a dramatic game in Cape Town. These sides have yet to meet in MSL 2019.
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Let’s Talk Tactics:
The Giants have proven all but invincible, especially on their home turf. The conditions in PE seem to suit them down to the ground. Tahir has turned numerous batsmen inside out but it’s truly been a team effort with the ball from the orange army. Roy hasn’t really hit his straps thus far, but the bowlers have been sublime. Chris Morris has conceded a few in the last two games and one can expect “Tipo” to be keen on leading the charge on Wednesday.
The men in purple haven’t really had one dominant batsman thus far but there have been some valuable contributions from most throughout the tournament whilst Tabraiz Shamsi has been on fire with the ball. The all-round ability of Dwaine Pretorius has also been invaluable. The Paarl wicket isn’t too dissimilar to what St George’s offers, so the visitors won’t be caught unprepared for this clash.
Verdict:
I’m leaning toward the home side to keep their momentum going. I do see the Giants slipping up somewhere along the line, but they really are a tough nut to crack at home. It might seem a boring play but St George’s is a place where I am always looking at the spinners to represent my wallet. Faf doesn’t seem his usual self and whilst Davids has looked dangerous he hasn’t been able to kick on. James Vince to me is the stand out batsmen in the line-up of the Rocks at present. Pretorius has often been given the opportunity to bat higher up the order by Du Plessis and has been in decent touch. I’m looking at the big all rounder to clear the ropes a few times for me.
Betolimp Bets:
Top Rocks Batsman – J Vince @ 4.40
Top Rocks Bowler – T Shamsi @ 4.40
Player to score most sixes – D Pretorius @ 14.50
Man of the Match – I Tahir @ 14.50
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
