Couch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League match between Cape Town Blitz and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants which takes place on Friday 6th December
CAPE TOWN BLITZ vs NELSON MANDELA BAY GIANTS
Cape Town (Friday, 06 December – 17:30)
The table topping Giants travel to Cape Town for this clash in the Mzansi Super League.
Setting the Scene:
The Giants pulled victory from the jaws of defeat against the Spartans on Tuesday. The Eastern Cape side find themselves sitting pretty as one victory from their remaining two games will see them cement a place in the playoffs. Despite falling to 28/3 in their efforts of chasing 189 against the Tshwane side, the Giants kept things together and pulled off an impressive victory led by a great knock from Ben Dunk.
The Blitz returned to winning ways on Sunday yet can’t sit back and enjoy their success. Sitting in fifth place on the log the Capetonians at the very least need one win from their two remaining games as they look to sneak into the top three. With Dale Steyn firing at his very best, the Blitz were able to defend 157 against the Spartans last Sunday.
Let’s Talk Tactics:
There is not much wrong with the likes of De Kock, Janneman and Livingstone for the Cape Town side. Yet they do seem to lack a bit of depth in their batting despite Vernon Philander performing impressively with the willow (and seemingly almost being picked for that reason alone). Ball in hand is where the Blitz have really fired as Steyn, Wahab Riaz and Magala (at the death) have all been superb.
Dunk delivered at the last time of asking but all of Smuts, Kuhn and Marais have come to the party. Ryan ten Doeschate has also added some much-needed experience to the lineup. There has however been a bit of a dip in terms of the bowling support offered to Imran Tahir of late. Dala and Hendricks haven’t been able to keep the opponents in check as required.
Verdict:
As we enter the business end of the competition there has been a general trend of the experienced stars fronting up to the challenge. Jon-Jon Smuts missed out the last time I picked him but coming in a three and being in decent touch I will once again back the Giants’ skipper to perform. For the visitors, also look out for some big hitting from Marco Marais.
Sticking with the theme of experienced stars I’m throwing some funds at Steyn and Tahir (two of the leading wicket takers in the comp) to continue picking up sticks in this crucial encounter.
Betolimp Bets:
Top NMB Batsman – JJ Smuts @ 5.00
Top NMB Bowler – I Tahir @ 3.90
Top Blitz Bowler – D Steyn @ 3.90
Player to score most sixes – M Marais @ 12.50
Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R3,000 here
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
