Couch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League match between Tshwane Spartans and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants which takes place on Wednesday 13th November
TSHWANE SPARTANS vs NELSON MANDELA BAY GIANTS
Pretoria (Wednesday, 13 November – 17:30)
We’ve pretty much had a full round of the Mzansi Super League action and first up for the 2nd week of the tournament we have the Tshwane Spartans hosting the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants at Super Sport Park in Centurion.
Setting the Scene:
As we have become accustomed to it was a rained-out affair in Durban over the weekend and as such the Spartans are yet to get their campaign underway despite already being off the mark points wise (since they received two points for the no result against the Durban Heat).
My pre-tournament favourites, the Giants, got things spot on in PE in their opener. The home side batted first, put a decent total on the board, and then did the business with the ball in the second innings as they just strangled the Jozi Stars after Gaye fell early for the second game in a row. Batting second on the St George’s wicket against Tahir and the JJ Smuts was always going to be a tough task.
Let’s Talk Tactics:
Since the Durban match didn’t even get underway we weren’t given much of a clue with regard to team selection for the Spartans. I’m expecting Van Jaarsveld to be accompanied by Elgar and Theunis de Bruyn in the top order with AB, Pite van Biljon, Heinrich Klaasen and Roelof van der Merwe ready to finish with a bang. If this is indeed the line-up there aren’t many other teams who can compete with this type of lower order finishing potential.
We saw pretty much what was expected from the NMBG in their opener. Roy didn’t get his campaign off to a strong start but despite this the experience of Behardien and Kuhn was crucial in getting them to a more than competitive total. Surely Roy, Jon-Jon and Dunk can’t all fail again. Bowling wise Morris and Dala will be very well aware of what is required to be successful at Centurion given the amount of time they have spent playing their cricket in these parts.
Verdict:
I do believe the Spartans have a lethal looking lower order, but the chance missed to get up and running in Durbs could come back to bite them as the Giants are already up and running. At the bigger price the visitors have to be the play here and I’ll also have a nibble on the pair of Roy and Smuts to come good this time around whilst the Pretoria boys could flop first time out the gate.
Betolimp Bets:
To win the game – Nelson Mandela Bay Giants @ 2.22
Highest Opening Partnership - NMB Giants @ 1.92
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
