Couch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League match between Tshwane Spartans and Durban Heat which takes place on Thursday 21st November
TSHWANE SPARTANS vs DURBAN HEAT
Pretoria (Thursday, 21 November – 17:30)
The Tshwane Spartans get the opportunity of hopefully hosting their first home game at Supersport Park on Thursday. Making the trip up from the usually wet Durban is the Heat.
Setting the Scene:
After two rained out fixtures the Spartans finally got their campaign under way in Paarl over the weekend and it proved to be a profitable start for them. Henrich Klaasen’s side had to structure their chase well as the Paarl Rocks set them a very competitive 186 for victory. James Vince climbed into plenty of the Spartan bowlers with only Morne Morkel coming away unscathed. Fortunately for the visitors the opening pair of Theunis de Bruyn and Dean Elgar got them away well with a century stand which laid the platform for the win.
The Durban Heat also got their first opportunity to stretch their legs but it ended badly for the home side. The hosts bowled beautifully at the death to keep the Blitz in check but despite Wihan Lubbe’s heroics there was no finishing kick to get the Durbanites over the line.
Let’s Talk Tactics:
Coming off a poor 2019 season the Heat can’t afford to get off to another slow start in 2020. A victory is badly needed by Dane Villas and his coastal lads. If they are to achieve this they will require more from their experienced campaigners in the batting lineup. David Miller and Alex Hales are international stars and need to turn up the heat for the men in pink. Bowling wise Kyle Abbott wasted little time in showing his class but he will require more assistance from his bowling partners.
It was hardly a perfect showing from the Spartans on Sunday. Curran, Sipamla and Ngidi all went for over ten runs to the over and they will need to rectify this as a matter of urgency. The openers were on fire but the home team will need AB to hit his straps if they are to go far in this tournament. A brisk little cameo from Klaasen was a positive sign going forward.
Verdict:
If Hales doesn’t get going this could really prove to be another long campaign for the KZN side. Andile has a habit of picking up sticks but for mind Abbott is in a league of his own in this team. It might be too much to expect a second miracle from Lubbe (he did however show he is fearless and will go from ball one) so I am backing the leader of the Heat to show some fortitude. For the Spartans Morne Morkel looked a cut above and is always worth backing at Centurion.
Betolimp Bets:
Top Durban Heat Batsman – D Villas @ 6.30
Top Durban Heat Bowler – K Abbott @ 4.70
Top Tshwane Bowler – M Morkel @ 4.40
Player to score Most Sixes – WJ Lubbe @ 19.00
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
