The Pretoria Capitals are the pace-setters in the SA20 so far but the rest of the teams are in a log jam. The Sunday double-header could be crucial to the final outcome of the tournament.
Paarl Royals vs Pretoria Capitals | Sunday 22 January 2023 | Boland Park, Paarl | 13:30
Paarl Royals haven’t lived up to their billing as tournament favourites and the pretenders face the contenders on Sunday.
Will Jacks has been a standout for the Capitals, demonstrating the depth of talent in the English game.
The Royals will want more from their Englishmen Jos Buttler, Jason Roy and Eoin Morgan.
Anrich Nortje has been breathing fire in this tournament alongside sporting some incredible facial hair.
Verdict: Pretoria Capitals
The Pretoria side have set the pace thus far and look good value to grab the win down in Paarl.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Durban’s Super Giants | Sunday 22 January 2023, St George’s Park, Gqeberha | 17:30
The Sunrisers’ batting failures led to them losing some of their momentum last time out in a low-scoring scrap.
DSG didn’t give the Capitals much competition in their last match as their leading runscorers misfired.
Spin could be a big factor on the slower St George’s park wicket but the new ball bowlers will also be a handful.
This might not be a very high-scoring match given the recent form of both teams.
Verdict: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Tough to call. I have the Sunrisers – with home advantage – just edging this one.
MI Cape Town vs Pretoria Capitals | Monday 23 January 2023 | Newlands, Cape Town | 17:30
MI Cape Town can get back into the running for the playoffs if they can knock the Capitals off.
The Capitals are playing back-to-back matches in the Western Cape and will be out for a double that will give them control of first.
MI Cape Town haven’t fired on all cylinders and don’t seem to have settled on their best XI.
Rassie van der Dussen is returning to full form and fitness at a good time for MI Cape Town.
Verdict: Pretoria Capitals
Another difficult one to call with the Capitals playing on Sunday afternoon. I reckon they should shade this one though.
