5 Foreign players who can emerge as stand-out performers in MSL 2019

South Africa’s Mzansi Super League 2019, also known as MSL 2.0 is expected to grab a lot of eyeballs due to its star-studded squads. The second edition of the Mzansi Super League T20 tournament is scheduled to start from 8th November where six teams will be contesting for the trophy. The tournament will be played in a double round-robin format.

Each team has been allotted an International Marquee player who is anticipated to emerge as a game-changer for the team. A string of former South African players will be a part of the MSL 2.0. The presence of South African veterans AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir and JP Duminy will add to the grandeur of the league.

Current South African stalwarts like Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma will be leading different squads in the league. After a successful World Cup campaign, many England stars like Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Ravi Bopara and Moeen Ali will showcase their potential on the South African soil. The high-profile league is expected to prosper many domestic as well as overseas talents.

Here are five overseas players who are touted to deliver stellar performances for their franchises:

Chris Gayle (Jozi Stars)

One name that always pops up as a stand-out performer in many T20 leagues is Chris Gayle. Having proved his potential in T20 leagues across the globe, Gayle is expected to showcase his explosive batting in the MSL. Despite being in the final phase of his career, he has not shied away from hitting sixes with robust power. Being the first cricketer to smash tons across all formats, Gayle is regarded as one of the most aggressive players of the modern era.

The 40-year-old has amassed over 18000 runs in his international career which also includes a triple-century in Test cricket. While playing 58 T20 Internationals, Gayle has gathered 1627 runs at an astounding strike rate of 142.84.  Along with the bat, the Universe Boss also has the potential to chip crucial wickets for the team with the bowl.

Jozi Stars were successful to snap the veteran from this year’s draft. Gayle is set to command the batting line-up of Jozi Stars and the world will be hoping to witness the ‘Gayle Storm’ yet again.

Jason Roy (Nelson Mandela Bay Giants)

Jason Roy is expected to bolster the batting of Nelson Mandela Bay Giants for the second time. The right-hander was picked up in the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants’ squad as their International Marquee player for the first edition of the MSL T20 tournament. Having represented England across all three formats, Roy made his England debut in the one-off T20 against India.

Known for his hard-hitting display of batting, the 29-year-old proved his potential by smashing scores of 87, 76 and 114 against Pakistan just before the ICC World Cup 2019. Roy was sidelined for three games in the World Cup 2019 due to a torn hamstring. However, the right-hander made his comeback by smashing a crucial 57-ball 66 against India.

Roy’s breathtaking innings of 180 runs against Australia at the MCG is considered one of the best innings to be played by any English batsman. Also, his 221-run stand with Joe Root in the same match was the team’s highest ever for the third wicket in ODIs. Though Roy didn’t have a great season last year playing only three matches the franchise will be hoping for him to set the record straight this time around.

Wahab Riaz (Cape Town Blitz)

Having the potential to dismantle the opposition by sheer pace, Wahab Riaz will be one of the top bowlers to play in the MSL. The left-hander has the ability to bowl at speeds around 90 mph in his spells. During the 2011 World Cup, Riaz showcased his potential by scalping a fifer in the semi-finals against arch-rivals India. Even though Pakistan failed to register a win to advance into the finals of the tournament, Wahab’s performance was appreciated.

But it was his performance in the World Cup 2015 which earned his much-deserved recognition across the globe. The 34-year-old will be leading the bowling attack of Cape Town Blitz. Riaz will form a formidable bowling partnership with another speedster- Dale Steyn. The duo is expected to provide early breakthroughs for Cape Town Blitz.

Wahab’s spell against Australia in the World Cup 2015 is considered as one of the highlights of his career. His spell of lethal bouncers against Watson in the encounter was a treat for any fast bowling enthusiast. Riaz has donned the Pakistan jersey in 26 Tests and 86 ODIs where he has scalped 83 and 113 wickets respectively. His vital experience of playing in the Pakistan Super League will prove as an asset for the Cape Town Blitz.

Alex Hales (Durban Heat)

Since making his debut in T20 Internationals in 2011, Alex Hales has been an integral part of England’s batting line-up. He is regarded as one of the best T20 batsmen in the world. The right-hander has scored 1644 runs in 60 T20Is including a century. After an unpleasant World Cup 2019 experience, Hales will be eager to prove his mettle in domestic leagues across the globe.

Known for his aggressive approach, Alex Hales played a vital role to enhance England’s top order with Jason Roy. Hales, who was picked up by Durban Heat is expected to replicate a similar performance in the MSL. Having played domestic leagues in England, Australia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Hales’ experience will prove to be vital for Durban Heat.

Touted as a clever and prolific top-order batsman for England, Hales has successfully emerged as a vital cog for his nation in recent times. Hales’ ability to play blistering knocks in domestic leagues is not a secret. The Heat will be hoping for him to replicating his swashbuckling form in the MSL.

Tom Curran (Tshwane Spartans)

Embarking his journey from a cricketing family, Tom Curran is the son of former Zimbabwe international cricketer Kevin Curran. His brothers Sam and Ben are also professional cricketers. Impressive bowling combined with solid batting, Curran was offered an England call-up, for the Twenty20 series against South Africa in 2017.

Known for toe-crushing yorkers and slower balls in death overs, Curran was snapped up by Tshwane Spartans to bolster their bowling attack. Combined with Morne Morkel and Lungi Ngidi, Curran is set to form an impressive bowling attack in the MSL.

The South-African-born cricketer, who constantly clocks over 140 kph with the bowl has the ability to amass vital runs with the bat too. The 24-year-old has vast First-class experience and has scalped 195 wickets in 59 games. Curran is one of the two players in the Spartans squad, along with Liam Dawson, who was used in England’s successful World Cup 2019 campaign.