• One Day Cup: Preview

    It’s the last round of the Momentum One Day Cup before the competition takes a break and the T20 stuff begins.

    The Dolphins entertain the Cobras in Durban for a top of the table clash. This could be a dress rehearsal of the final next year. The Titans may have done the Dolphins a disservice by knocking over the previously unbeaten Cape side on Friday night, as Justin Ontong’s men will be desperate to make a statement. Unfortunately, the weather forecast isn’t looking promising so we may have to wait until next year for a winner to be decided between the coastal rivals.

    The Knights, fresh off their first win of the competition, welcome the Lions to Bloemfontein. The men from the big smoke lost to the Dolphins on Friday and will need to get back to winning ways if they want to maintain their position in the top three. It should be tough for the bowlers with batsmen from both sides cashing in.

    The Warriors and Titans play what is potentially a knockout fixture in Port Elizabeth. They each have a solitary win to their names and another loss would make qualifying for the semi-final almost impossible. The Titans come into the game on the back of a win against the log leaders, while the Warriors went down to the Knights in their previous encounter.

    Players to watch:

    Damp conditions in Durban should see the ball move around. Robbie Frylinck took four wickets on Friday and will take advantage of a sporting pitch. For the Cobras, Rory Kleinveldt has been in good form and will make life tough for the batsmen.

    Bloemfontein has a pitch resembling the N1 freeway and it should produce a ton of runs. Gerhardt Abrahams is fresh off his maiden hundred and will be keen to back it up on home soil. Alviro Petersen will want to get back among the runs for the Lions and remind the national selectors of his class.

    A slow track in Port Elizabeth always plays into the hands of the spinners. This match could be decided by the spells of Simon Harmer for the Warriors and Roelof van der Merwe for the Titans.

    Prediction:

    The Cobras will be hurt after their first loss of the season and will come back strongly in Durban.

    The Knights will be full of confidence, but the Lions should get back to winning ways.

    The Titans play their best cricket with their backs against the wall and should complete the weekend with two wins.

    Backpagepix:

    Post by

    sachsm