MSL 2019: Match 26, Cape Town Blitz vs Nelson Mandela Bay Giants: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

As the MSL 2019 is nearing its conclusion, teams have shifted their gears to step up their game. The 26th match of the tournament will be played between Cape Town Blitz and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants.

Cape Town Blitz, who are just two points away from the third spot, will be aiming to climb up the table by defeating Giants. Blitz are currently poised at the fifth place in the table and have gathered 17 points from their eight matches. The Quinton de Kock-led side consists of a strong batting force.

Janneman Malan, David Bedingham and Liam Livingstone have delivered match-winning performances for their side. In their previous match against Tshwane Spartans, Blitz registered a 15-run victory. Dale Steyn was the pick of the bowlers as the South Africa veteran scalped three wickets while conceding only 10 runs in his spell. He was assisted by Wahab Riaz who picked up two wickets. Blitz are expected to give Giants a run for their money.

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants have been in impressive form and have acquired 23 points from eight matches. Giants are sitting at the top of the table. Along with skipper JJ Smuts, Giants have the likes of Jason Roy and Ben Drunk in their arsenal.

In their previous match against Tshwane Spartans, Giants chased down a mammoth total of 189. Dunk, who remained unbeaten on 99 runs, emerged to be their talisman. He was assisted by the cameos of Doeschate and Marais at the end. Giants will be eager to extend their lead at the top of the table.

In the previous match between both these sides, Giants had registered a five-wicket win, courtesy skipper JJ Smut’s stellar knock of 73 runs off 51 balls.

Pitch and Conditions

The weather is party clear for this game with the temperature hovering around 24 degrees Celsius. There is no chance of rain whatsoever to intervene in the match. A breeze blowing in from one end and humidity of 65 percent is also expected at the start of the match, according to AccuWeather. Considering the previous encounter between both sides, a massive total is expected on the board.

Team Combinations

Cape Town Blitz

Janneman Malan is expected to be the talisman of Blitz. The right-hander has provided consistent starts to his side throughout the season. He has gathered 177 runs in his last five matches for Blitz. Malan will be joined by the likes of De Kock and Liam Livingstone. The formidable bowling force of Cape Town Blitz will comprise the likes of Vernon Philander, Wahab Riaz, and Dale Steyn.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (C&WK), Janneman Malan, David Bedingham, Liam Livingstone, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Vernon Philander, Wahab Riaz, Aviwe Mgijima, Sisanda Magala, and Dale Steyn

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants have a strong batting force with their skipper JJ Smuts leading from the front. Smuts will be assisted by Jason Roy, who will be eager to provide his side with a good start along with fellow opener Ben Dunk. Dunk, who smashed 99* in his previous match, has been in sensational form with the bat. The trio of Chris Morris, Junior Dala, and Imran Tahir will steer Giants’ bowling force.

Predicted XI: Jason Roy, Ben Dunk, J J Smuts (C), Ben Dunk (WK), Heino Kuhn, Marco Marais, Chris Morris, Onke Nyaku, Junior Dala, Nandre Burger, Imran Tahir

Probable Top Performers

Janneman Malan – Cape Town Blitz | JJ Smuts – Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD

Online– Sony Liv

Match Timings – 21:00 IST, and 17:30 local.

The prediction is for Nelson Mandela Bay Giants to win the match.