mzansilogoCouch Critic provides the betting preview for the Mzansi Super League final between Paarl Rocks and Tshwane Spartans which takes place on Monday 16th December

 

 

 

 

PAARL ROCKS vs TSHWANE SPARTANS - Paarl (Monday, 16 December – 17:30)

 

It’s a public holiday in South Africa and it should be yet another beautiful warm summer’s evening in the Boland as the Paarl Rocks host the Tshwane Spartans to determine who will be crowned the Mzansi Super League 2.0 champions of 2019. Here’s how I see the last game of the local T20 comp going down.

 

Setting the Scene:

 

This promises to be a titanic battle between a bunch of players who know each other really well. The Paarl Rocks have long time Titans players, Faf du Plessis, Henry Davids and Tabraiz Shamsi in their ranks. Of course the Tshwane Spartans are largely made up of players from the Pretoria region and then there is also the fact that there are a number of national team mates in both camps. Battles between Morne Morkel and Du Plessis or AB and Shamsi promises to be worth the entrance fee in itself. On this topic – it is good to know that a sold-out stadium is expected for this one.

With five of their matches having rained out the Spartans have certainly sneaked into the final very much under the radar. But in fairness they have only lost two matches throughout their campaign. The men from up-country were able to battle to a total in excess of 160 (thanks to some good work at the back end from Pite van Biljon and David Wiese). This proved enough for the visitors to defend on a relatively slow-scoring track.

The Rocks would do well to take a lesson from what happened to the Giants. In the end the Spartans managed to wriggle to about 10 or 15 more than what they should have got. The coastal pitches have more often than not proven to become tougher for scoring as the match went on – one can’t afford to slack off at any time in this shortest format of the game. The Paarl side have been tenacious at home yet have been beaten twice on their home turf.

In the previous evening match held at Boland Park the Rocks notched up 195/2 but the Durban Heat still managed a 6 wicket victory.

 

Let’s Talk Tactics:

 

The Rocks have based their success on consistent contributions from a number of players. Everyone in their batting ranks has had the opportunity to pitch up and play a match defining knock thus far. Bowling wise their two spinners have comfortably been the go-to performers but the likes of Hardus Viljoen, Udana, Mungroo and Adams have not been able to deliver reliable support and this is the area that the Spartans are bound to target. The availability of Dwaine Pretorius will be vital for the home side.

The Spartans have lost top order performance in recent times but with the late edition of David Wiese to their ranks the strength of the Tshwane lads lies in the fire power they have down the order with Van Biljon and Wiese ready to add the big hits. Bowling wise Morkel has been the standout and Corbin Bosch has also looked impressive. Roelof van der Merwe could prove handy on the dryer Boland Park track and how Wiese goes at the death could prove crucial.

 

Verdict:

 

It’s the last dance! I’m backing Faf du Plessis to lead the charge for his side. Shamsi is only behind Tahir and Steyn in the wicket-taking department and he is the type of fighter who will want to play a crucial part for his team in the big final.

I am expecting Pretorius to make his return for the Rocks and his all-round ability should play a huge role for the home team. He bats in the top order and will be entrusted with a good number of overs as well. Lastly David Wiese made a huge first impression on the tournament on Friday and given some confidence he could just come in and play a little cameo which includes a number of big hits.

 

Betolimp Bets:

Top Rocks Bat – F du Plessis @ 4.00

Top Rocks Bowler – T Shamsi @ 4.50

To score most sixes – D Wiese @ 13.00

Man of the Match – D Pretorius @ 16.00

  

(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!