The apparently innocuous Cape Town Blitz have been the team to beat in the tournament with five wins in seven matches. If any team has appeared likely to challenge the might of the Blitz, it has been Jozi Stars who boast formidable batsmen and bowlers. They are on a winning spree themselves but would find their task cut out against the strong Cape Town Blitz outfit at Newlands, where the batsmen could go hammer and tongs.
The venue should also favour the quicker bowlers which means the Proteas seamers, Dale Steyn of Blitz and Kagiso Rabada of Stars will be on a head-on collision course on Tuesday as the teams face-off. The two sides also have the only two centurions in the tournament so far: Reeza Hendricks (a couple of them for the Stars) and Quinton de Kock (for Blitz).
Conditions: Clear weather and a high-scoring wicket at Newlands. Pitch has favoured teams batting first at this venue in the past.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Quinton de Kock (10.5 cr)
The wicket-keeper batsman has finally found his touch after a rough patch and made it count immediately with a breath-taking ton against the Tshwane Spartans. With his clean hitting ability and renewed vigour, de Kock is a key player in this all important clash and you could end up looking silly if you miss him out in your fantasy team.
Batsman: Reeza Hendricks (9 cr)
The South African opener has set the Mzansi Super League alight with back to back tons, a rare feat in itself in the T20 format. Always believed to be the accumulator, Reeza has shown another facet of his batting in this tournament and with recent form propelling his case, the Stars' opener is a must-have in your fantasy side for this big clash.
All-rounder: Mohammad Nawaz (8.5 cr)
The Pakistan all-rounder returned to the setup after missing a few games, but could be a valuable pick in your fantasy side as all-rounder. That he bowls economical is a huge plus aside from the fact that the Stars have quite a right-handed heavy top-order. Nawaz is also likely to be promoted up the batting order after the failed Andile Phehlukwayo experiment at No. 3 and could be a great value add.
Bowler: Kagiso Rabada (9.5 cr)
Rabada would love it have a crack at Quinton de Kock and his mates on the spicy Newlands wicket. The Proteas pace sensation has had a great season so far but as he faces off against Dale Steyn, Rabada will want to put his best foot forward. There are quite a few options among fast bowlers for this encounter but given Rabada's consistency and penchant for the big stage, back the Stars' fast bowler in your side by all means.
Captain: Quinton de Kock
Vice-captain: Reeza Hendricks
