It was a huge weekend for Durban’s Super Giant as they took the SA20 by the scruff of the neck and the table-toppers are back in action on Tuesday. James Richardson previews matches 23-26.
The next four matches in the SA20 do not feature the second-placed Paarl Royals at all giving others a chance to throw their names into the playoff mix.
The Gauteng outfits both have a pair of home and away matches through this midweek spell and like them, MI Cape Town also have a chance to use this stretch as a moving week.
Monday 29 January
MI Cape Town 72/100 | Joburg Super Kings 23/20
It isn’t quite down to the time when we get the calculators out for these two sides but the desperation will be growing.
MI Cape Town might feel like the team that least deserves to be in that bottom three having had very little luck.
A pair of wins for MI Cape Town this week will get them back into the playoff frame but the same could be said for JSK and the Capitals.
It has been nine days since JSK claimed their only win of the tournament so far and they don’t look like a side that can challenge.
Verdict: MI Cape Town 72/100
This JSK side simply haven’t clicked and are staring down the barrel. MI Cape Town to here.
Durban’s Super Giants vs Pretoria Capitals | Match 24 | Tuesday 30 January 2024 | Kingsmead, Durban | 17:30
Tuesday 30 January
Durban’s Super Giants 57/10 | Pretoria Capitals 14/10
Durban’s Super Giants will be focused on maintaining their high standards as they cannot afford to slip off after securing their playoff spot.
They are playing one of the tournament’s desperate Dans and that should put a different complexion on this game.
DSG’s spin kings are starting to dominate this tournament and that will remain their area of strength but they also have a potent top order.
Young Matthew Breetzke has been among the most consistent batters in the tournament; watch out for him to make more runs.
Verdict: Durban’s Super Giants 57/100
The Durban side are red-hot at the moment. Their spin-heavy attack should be able to strangle the Capitals in friendly Hollywoodbets Kingsmead conditions.
Joburg Super Kings vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Match 25 | Wednesday 31 January 2024 | The Wanderers, Johannesburg
Wednesday 31 January
Joburg Super Kings 23/20 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape 72/100
(forecast odds)
The basement boys JSK get another crack at moving away from the foot of the table when they face the Sunrisers.
While the Eastern Cape outfit is in a strong position they won’t want to slip up here that could drag them into the play-off bunfight.
A win will widen the gap for the Sunrisers and push them closer to a confirmed playoff berth.
The Sunrisers’ bowling strength is their great weapon with Ottniel Baartman and Marco Jansen having the biggest impact for the Orange Army.
Verdict: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Following the Super Kings has been an expensive endeavour this season. Back the Sunrisers.
Thursday 1 February
Pretoria Capitals 92/100 | MI Cape Town 92/100
(forecast odds)
Will Jacks has been man alone in making a big impression on the SA20 among the Capitals batters and needs to get a hand from his mates.
Ryan Rickelton might have similar feelings about his bags of runs not actually powering MICT to victories.
This will be the first meeting between these two sides with their second clash set to come on Saturday.
Both sides will hope they have snapped their losing streaks before this one gets under way but if not then this contest assures one will get the upper hand.
Verdict: MI Cape Town
A bit of coin toss this one, but I’m inclined to lean toward the Cape side.
