A thrilling Ram Slam T20 fixture is coming up midweek, as the WSB Cape Cobras go head-to-head against the Warriors.
The WSB Cape Cobras have bounced back impressively after a shaky start to their 2017/18 Ram Slam T20 Challenge campaign, securing back-to-back victories in their last two games.
The Warriors, despite their early struggles, picked up their first win last weekend with a solid four-wicket victory against the bizhub Highveld Lions.
Cape Cobras vs Warriors | Wednesday 29 November | Boland Park, Paarl | 18:00
Don’t miss out – catch every moment live from Boland Park in Paarl!
Match Betting Odds
WSB Cape Cobras 72/100 | Tie 35/1 | Warriors 21/20
WSB Cape Cobras
After suffering three consecutive defeats, the Cobras have found their rhythm with impressive wins over the bizhub Highveld Lions and VKB Knights. Their eight points haul has them breathing down the neck of the Free State franchise, presently sitting second on the leaderboard.
The resurgence owes much to the stellar performances of South African cricket legends JP Duminy and Hashim Amla. Duminy’s scores of 0, 55, 40, 45, and 67 across five matches have been crucial. These runs alongside Amla’s steady contributions have bolstered team morale greatly. Expect the duo to shine once more against a Warriors attack that has yet to fire.
However, the dependency on Duminy and Amla shows cracks if they falter. Richard Levi’s struggling form, averaging just 4.5 in four innings, leaves a gap. Wayne Parnell’s opener role is still tentative, and Aviwe Mgijima’s flashes of brilliance need to become a consistent force.
On the bowling front, Ashwell Prince will demand greater effort from his seamers. Vernon Philander’s economy could be tighter, and Duminy’s bowling hasn’t mirrored his batting form.
Watch for Ferisco Adams, the Boland seamer who played in both Cobras’ wins. With just one wicket in eight overs but a commendable economy of 6.50, Adams will be key in keeping the Warriors’ batters at bay during middle overs and tipping the scales in the Cobras’ favour.
Warriors
The Warriors also stumbled early with three defeats and a no-result in their opening four games following a finals appearance last season. Their confidence received a boost from last weekend’s strong showing against the in-form Lions.
Their first win featured a fireworks display by Colin Ingram, smashing seven sixes and five fours en route to a blistering 89 off 48 deliveries. Ingram will look to repeat this explosive form, while both JJ Smuts and Colin Ackermann need significant scores to challenge the Cobras, especially if Duminy and Amla keep piling on runs.
A major concern for the Warriors is the absence of a genuine wicket-taking bowler akin to Kagiso Rabada or Lungi Ngidi. Currently, JJ Smuts, Basheeru-Deen Walters, and Andrew Birch share the top wicket tally with three wickets each from four matches.
Fielding also remains a weak spot, as seen in the recent match when Lesiba Ngope dropped a simple catch and missed a routine stop, allowing four runs to slip away.
Verdict: WSB Cape Cobras 72/100
The Cobras are on the rise and look the hot favourites to claim victory against the Warriors in Paarl. With the reliable middle order of Amla and Duminy, coupled with an economical bowling attack, backing the Cape Cobras is a smart play.
