2019 Mzansi Super League – Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Tshwane Spartans Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Tshwane Spartans taking place? Friday 13th December, 2019 – 15:30 (UK)
Where is Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Tshwane Spartans taking place? St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
What is the expected weather for Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Tshwane Spartans? 24c with sunshine and cloudy intervals
What television channel is Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Tshwane Spartans on in the UK? The match will be shown live on BT Sport/ESPN HD (Sky channel 423)
Where can I stream Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Tshwane Spartans in the UK? The match can be streamed live on the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Nelson Mandela Bay Giants vs Tshwane Spartans? Visit the official MSL website for ticket information
What was the outcome in the last meeting? Nelson Mandela Bay Giants beat Tshwane Spartans by 6 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
NELSON MANDELA BAY GIANTS
- Nelson Mandela Bay Giants fell 12 runs short in their final game against Paarl Rocks to see their opponents leapfrog them into top spot which means the Port Elizabeth outfit have to face Tshwane Spartans in this qualifier to reach the final after leading the group for a large part of it.
- The only real places up for grabs in this time right now appear to be in the bowling unit as the likes of Hendricks, Dala and Naba have all gone at more than ten per over and they are vying for the final spot in the team as the rest of the side should comprise of all the usual starters.
- They will be hoping for the usual magic from spinner Imran Tahir who continues to belie his age with some matchwinning performances, but they could benefit from more contributions from the rest of their bowling unit especially against the Spartans’ formidable batting line-up.
TSHWANE SPARTANS
- Tshwane Spartans edged into the play-offs just ahead of Durban Heat and they were largely frustrated throughout the group phase as five of their ten matches were washed out but they were one of the more impressive sides when they did get out in the middle.
- It will be 10 days since they last played a match and that was a six-wicket defeat at the hands of the Bay Giants, and after hitting an impressive 188/5, they could not defend that total which highlights the need for a much-improved bowling display if they are to reach the final.
- They have plenty of bowling options at their disposal due to having a number of all-rounders but that may convince them to field an extra batsmen instead of spinner Waqar Salamkheil who has struggled to make an impact so far.
THE PREDICTION
A place in the final is up for grabs in this Mzansi Super League qualifier as Nelson Mandela Bay Giants face the Tshwane Spartans. The Bay Giants won the one game they managed to play, while they also had the upper hand in the other match as they restricted the Spartans to 33/4 before the rain intervened. The Spartans have struggled to get any real momentum in this tournament so far as half of their ten matches have been washed out. The Bay Giants have been one of, if not the best team in the tournament so far, and they will be confident of reaching the final. They have form on their side but the Spartans arguably have the greater quality in their ranks. If their big names show up, then they could well pull this off and knock the Bay Giants out which would be no surprise in what should be a close encounter.
