Friday’s televised action in the CSA T20 Challenge comes from Newlands where the table topping WSB Cape Cobras host the Lions.
WSB Cape Cobras:
With two rounds of matches to go before the play offs the WSB Cape Cobras top the standings, 2 points clear of the Warriors and the target will be to secure home advantage in the play offs.
The Cobras have avoided much of the bad weather that has plagued the tournament and on Wednesday they came out on top against the Titans with a 3 wicket victory in Paarl. The Cobras were tasked with chasing a stiff looking 183 for victory in that game and they were equal to the task with an unbeaten 55 from Mgijima off just 30 balls the key innings. The Cobras got home with 7 balls to spare for their fifth win of the tournament alongside 2 defeats and 1 no result.
This was how the Cobras lined up against the Titans last time out:
Hashim Amla, Janneman Malan, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Jason Smith, Aviwe Mgijima, George Linde, Vernon Philander, Rory Kleinveldt (capt), Tladi Bokako, Nkululeko Serame.
Lions:
With 19 points the Lions are 4 shy of the Cobras and their own hopes of a home semi final were dented on Wednesday when they were thrashed by the Warriors by a 9 wicket margin at The Wanderers. Batting first the Lions posted 144/6 with Pretorius unbeaten on 48 at the end. The Warriors had all the answers and they put on 107 for the first wicket before wrapping up victory in just 14.3 overs.
The Lions now have an overall record of 3 wins, 2 defeats and 3 no results. The first of those losses came against the Cobras at The Wanderers on the opening weekend of the tournament where the Cobras held on for 5 run victory thanks to some excellent death bowling.
This was how the Lions lined up against the Warriors last time out:
Ryan Rickelton (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma (capt), Wihan Lubbe, Dwaine Pretorius, Bjorn Fortuin, Aaron Phangiso, Malusi Siboto, Migael Pretorius, Nono Pongolo..
The Betting, click here for all markets
WSB Cape Cobras 8/10
Lions even money
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Note prices quoted are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.
Verdict:
The Lions were way below par earlier in the week whilst the Cobras bandwagon continues to roll. We can expect improvement from the Lions, especially in the batting department but the Cobras are full of confidence and are taken to come out on top.
Suggested Bet: Cobras to win at 8/10
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