Lions’ two matches have been washed out due to rain, and in the remaining four matches, they emerged victorious only once. Cape Cobras, on the other hand, have as many points as Lions do – rain has not interrupted their progress, but they have lost three of five matches.
In the previous contest between these teams, Cape Cobras won by 21 runs. Janneman Malan and his namesake Pieter added 82 for the opening wicket. Despite good starts, both missed on scoring fifties. But the foundation was laid, that there was nothing to worry about. Zubayr Hamza added another 88 runs and George Linde blasted 57 off 55 to scale up the run rate. Cape Cobras posted 298 for 5.
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In response, Lions lost Ryan Rickelton early. The onus fell on Reeza Hendricks. He scored 37, but that was never going to be enough in a big chase. All middle-order batters had starts, but they threw it away in the process of maintaining the required run-rate. Dwaine Pretorius had no option but to go all guns blazing. He smashed 75 off 42. Amidst his domination, however, Lions kept losing wickets and were eventually skittled out for 277. Linde shone with the ball as well, taking 3 wickets and bagging the much deserved Player of the Match award.
Teams
As many as four players – Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Wiaan Mulder, and Dwaine Pretorius – will not be available until limited-overs series between South Africa and Sri Lanka concludes. While Hendricks and van der Dussen have done bulk of the scoring, Mulder has taken the most wickets for them.
Temba Bavuma will call the shots. Since his return, he has scores of 117* and 4.
Probable XI for Lions: Ryan Rickelton, Kagiso Rapulana, Temba Bavuma (c), Dominic Hendricks, Nicky van den Bergh (wk), Delano Potgieter, Bjorn Fortuin, Nono Pongolo, Aaron Phangiso, Malusi Siboto, Nandre Burger
Hashim Amla was not drafted in for ODIs against Sri Lanka. He decided to come back to domestic circuit and find his lost mojo. In his only match thus far, he scored 10 runs. In other news, JP Duminy is back to full fitness. He was at the helm in Cape Cobras’ match against Titans. He, however, had a tough outing, scoring 0 and bowling 3 overs for no wicket.
If Kyle Verreynne is fit, he will replace David Bedingham.
Probable XI for Cape Cobras: Janneman Malan, Hashim Amla, Zubayr Hamza, JP Duminy (c), David Bedingham/Kyle Verreynne (wk), George Linde, Aviwe Mgijima, Rory Kleinveldt, Dane Paterson, Tladi Bokako, Akhona Mnyaka
Fantasy team
We have opted for a fantasy cricket team on the basis of players’ impact, recent performances, and credit points.
What is your combination?
My XI: Nicky van den Bergh (wk), Hashim Amla, Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma (vc), Zubayr Hamza, JP Duminy, Kagiso Rapulana, George Linde (c), Aaron Phangiso, Nandre Burger, Nono Pongo