Dive into Friday’s live Ram Slam T20 Challenge showdown where the WSB Cape Cobras will face off with the bizhub Highveld Lions at the iconic Boland Park.
This match is a crucial opportunity for the Cobras to claw their way up from the bottom of the 2017 Ram Slam T20 standings. They’ve yet to taste victory in four games, while the Lions are battling to keep pace with the tournament leaders, the Titans.
Recently, the Cobras struggled significantly against the Titans, whereas the Lions narrowly escaped defeat, showing room for improvement on both sides.
Cape Cobras v Lions | Friday, 24 November | Boland Park, Paarl | 18:00
Winning Odds
WSB Cape Cobras 82/100 | Tie 35/1 | bizhub Highveld Lions 21/20
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Cape Cobras Analysis
Despite a tough run, Coach Ashwell Prince remains calm and confident about turning the tide. The Cobras’ proud history is something he keeps in mind, but the team is under pressure to deliver positive results on the field.
Key player Richard Levi is recovering from a finger injury, making his availability uncertain. This places more responsibility on all-rounder Wayne Parnell, who has faced challenges with both bat and ball.
The last clash at the Wanderers saw the Cobras struggle with shot conversions and bowling effectiveness. They’ll need to strategise effectively against the Lions’ key bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Aaron Phangiso, especially if they bowl in tandem.
The match also promises an intriguing contest as former players Beuran Hendricks and Omphile Ramela return to face their old side. Levi’s presence could be decisive against Hendricks, while Dane Paterson may have a gripping duel with Ramela, although Paterson might be rested for this fixture.
Bizhub Highveld Lions Insight
The Lions, with two wins and one loss during the tournament, have the advantage of a game in hand over the Titans. Winning this fixture is critical if they want to challenge the reigning champions’ top spot.
Star performers Reeza Hendricks, the highest run-scorer of the 2017 tournament, and leading wicket-taker Aaron Phangiso are expected to be match-winners for the Lions.
The conditions at Boland Park differ from the fast pitch at Wanderers, favouring batsmen who can pick their shots wisely. This is the very ground where AB de Villiers nearly stunned the cricketing world with an ODI double-century against Bangladesh recently.
While Hendricks remains a focal point after his blistering century against the Dolphins last week, young talent Wiaan Mulder is another to watch. His calm, mature approach belies his age, managing pressure with ease in high-stakes games.
Phangiso’s captaincy has revitalised his game, shedding criticism and proving to be economical while consistently picking wickets. The spin-friendly conditions at Paarl should amplify his impact.
Final Word: Lions 21/20
Though Ashwell Prince’s faith in a swift resurgence is admirable, the Cobras will find this match tough and will head into their following clash against the Knights still hunting for their maiden tournament victory.
