2019 Mzansi Super League – Durban Heat vs Tshwane Spartans Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Durban Heat vs Tshwane Spartans taking place? Saturday 9th November, 2019 – 11:30 (UK)
Where is Durban Heat vs Tshwane Spartans taking place? Kingsmead, Durban
What is the expected weather for Durban Heat vs Tshwane Spartans? 21c and cloudy but no rain forecast
What television channel is Durban Heat vs Tshwane Spartans on in the UK? FreeSports (Sky channel 422) have the rights to a selection of Mzansi Super League matches so it is worth checking their schedule
Where can I stream Durban Heat vs Tshwane Spartans in the UK? If televised, Premier Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Premier Player
Where can I get tickets for Durban Heat vs Tshwane Spartans? Visit the official MSL website for ticket information
What was the outcome in the last meeting? Durban Heat beat Tshwane Spartans by 2 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
DURBAN HEAT
- Durban Heat will be desperate to improve upon last year’s disappointing campaign in which they finished bottom of the group despite possessing some quality players like Amla, Rashid Khan, Albie Morkel and Heinrich Klaasen.
- They have made a whole host of changes to their playing squad for the 2019 MSL as Dane Vilas joins as skipper while they have high hopes for English duo Alex Hales at the top of the order and all-rounder Ravi Bopara.
- The Heat were dealt a blow prior to the tournament as Robbie Frylinck pulled out of the competition to compete in the Abu Dhabi T10 League so he is replaced by Wesley Marshall and that does weaken them somewhat as Frylinck has had an excellent year.
TSHWANE SPARTANS
- Tshwane Spartans were equally disappointing last year like the Heat albeit with an even more star-studded squad as they were led by legend AB de Villiers and he could count on Eoin Morgan, Lungi Ngidi and Robbie Frylinck but they ultimately fell well short.
- They have a much stronger look about them this year as Heinrich Klaasen has joined from the Heat to skipper the side and that will allow De Villiers to focus on his cricket, while they have some solid contributors like Morne Morkel and Tom Curran when he arrives following England duty.
- Spartans bowler Lutho Sipamla was something of a revelation last season with 16 wickets and his performances brought him into the spotlight for the national team, so they will look to the talented young paceman to produce the goods once again.
THE PREDICTION
Compared to some of the other squads in this competition, both of these look somewhat light once again and both may find it just as difficult as they did in the first edition of the Mzansi Super League. The Heat have some excellent all-rounders in Bopara and Phehlukwayo which really add depth to their batting and bowling, but the Spartans have the edge in quality overall. The bowling attack which possesses Ngidi, Morne Morkel, Sipamla, Van der Merwe, Waqar Salamkheil and eventually Tom Curran is capable of winning any game, and that unit may just about give them the edge in this opening game.
