MSL T20 2018, Match 5, Paarl Rocks vs Jozi Stars, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

After a heart-breaking loss by just one run against Tshwane Spartans, the Paarl Rocks will be back in action after a day’s break. For the fifth match of the MSL 2018, they would play hosts to the Jozi Stars. Both these teams are coming off losses in the respective previous games. While the Rocks are third on the points table, the Stars are sunken at the bottom after a pathetic performance.

The batsmen from the Stars must step on the gas and put runs on the board. A lot of their hopes lie of the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and Rassie van der Dussen. The bowling performance of the Jozi Stars looked decent enough. They managed to take the game into the 18th over defending only 124 runs.

The Paarl Rocks seemed to be slightly over-reliant on Cameron Delport in the game against the Spartans. The other batsmen must convert their starts into big scores in the next game. They will also need to work slightly around their bowling strategies going into this match.

Pitch and Conditions

It is the same venue where over 400 runs were scored in the last game that will stage this match. It was a flat track and the batsmen who like the ball coming onto the bat at a good pace should enjoy playing out there. Expect another high scoring encounter and there would be no respite for the bowlers if they miss their mark even so slightly.

There is a prediction for a thunderstorm during the morning and afternoon. However, as the day progresses, the skies are expected to clear up and there shouldn’t be many interruptions to the game. The humidity, however, is on the higher side while the temperature will be cold.

Team Combinations

Paarl Rocks

The Paarl Rocks shouldn’t be bothered about the loss the other day. The luck was just not on their side and they couldn’t finish things off in the last over. Hence, they might not take any drastic decisions and could be going in with the same XI. They might have thoughts about including David Wiese into the XI but Vaughn van Jaarsveld could get another go. Their bowlers will have to focus on hitting consistent areas.

Predicted XI: Michael Klinger, Cameron Delport, Henry Davids (c), Vaughn van Jaarsveld/David Wiese, DJ Bravo, Grant Thomson, Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), Patrick Kruger, Dane Paterson, Kerwin Mungroo, Bjorn Fortuin.

Jozi Stars

The Stars might also go with an unchanged XI. However, they would like to get a few changes in the batting order. Rassie van der Dussen, who is the best batsman in the side should open the innings along with Chris Gayle. Ryan Rickelton can bat in the middle order and anchor the innings. The bowling attack looks good with the presence of players like Duanne Oliver and Eddie Leie.

Predicted XI: Chris Gayle, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Petrus van Biljon, Dane Vilas (c & wk), Daniel Christian, Nono Pongolo, Calvin Savage, Duanne Oliver, Eddie Leie, Beuran Hendricks.

Probable Top Performers

Cameron Delport – Paarl Rocks | Rassie van der Dussen – Jozi Stars

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 22:30 IST; 19:00 local

The prediction is that the Paarl Rocks will stage a comeback in their home ground.

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