mzansilogoCouch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League match between Paarl Rocks and Jozi Stars which takes place on Friday 22nd November

 

 

 

 

 

PAARL ROCKS vs JOZI STARS - Paarl (Friday, 22 November – 17:30)

 

Who will rock and who will star in the Cape as the Paarl Rocks host the Jozi Stars on Sunday? Here is my view of how things are going to go down from a betting perspective.

 

Setting the Scene:

 

The Paarl Rocks have the full compliment of results after three matches – one win, one loss and one No Result. Currently lying mid-table, they will want to keep up with those at the sharp end of the pack rather than start slipping into the desperation battle for a playoff spot from an early stage in the competition. The home side come into this clash off the back of a disappointing loss to the Spartans where they weren’t able to defend their total of 185.

The defending champions have it both easy yet difficult enough. There is no doubt about what is required of the visitors – they need to stop the rot right now or they can kiss their trophy goodbye before the second half of the tournament has even kicked off. In their last outing the Jo’burgers collapsed to a pretty pathetic 108 against the Giants.

 

Let’s Talk Tactics:

 

Rabada has been far from his best. Last year’s leading wicket taker (Duane Olivier) has been in-and-out of the lineup due to a lack of form and one of their only bright sparks, Gerald Coetzee, went down with injury in the last game. Yet, despite these issues with the bowling the batsmen have not been able to deliver a total in excess of 150 in their last three outings. Chris Gayle and Dan Christiaan are the big-name stars yet have rather been rocks that have weighed the team down with the willow. Van der Dussen also needs to get back to his best.

The Rocks have been able to post two decent totals with Henry Davids, Faf du Plessis and James Vince all having pitched in thus far. With the ball there has been one outstanding effort against the Blitz and then one slip-up versus the Spartans. Bjorn Fortuin and Shamsi have been dangerous as always but as expected it’s in the seam department that their problems lie. When Hardus Viljoen is not at his best they are vulnerable.

 

Take our weekend EPL treble, Leicester to win, Watford v Burnley over 2.5 goals and Man City v Chelsea both teams to score with odds boosted to 7.30 

 

Verdict:

 

The Jozi decision makers are in a tough spot. They have forked out plenty to have Gayle involved and we should probably expect to see him get another go. Rabada is also operating at less than 80% yet considering the rest aren’t really shining either one struggles to see what the Jozi boys can change apart from hoping the guys they select just pitch up and perform better. For mind the Rocks have looked dangerous with a solid, yet exciting top four in Davids, Delport, Faf and Vince. On the flip side the Stars have struggled and stuttered.

As such I am backing the Paarl Rocks with some plays such as the sixes market as well as getting off to a fast start. Rassie van der Dussen came off a brilliant season last time around yet hasn’t had too much of an opportunity to show his class in the 2019 version of the MSL. I don’t see him missing out again if he does get in early. Lastly Fortuin has been tight with his bowling and there is always the possibility that he could just come in and add a few vital runs when it matters.

 

Betolimp Bets:

Top Jozi Batsman – R van der Dussen @ 6.20

Man of the Match – Bjorn Fortuin @ 19.00

Team to make Highest First 6 Over Score – Paarl Rocks @ 1.90

Team to score Most Sixes – Paarl Rocks @ 2.05

 

(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!