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QUALIFIER 1: FIVE HEAD-TO-HEAD BATTLES YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS
MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals face off in the Betway SA20 Qualifier 1 today at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
We take a closer look at five head-to-head clashes that could determine the outcome.
Kagiso Rabada v Lhuan-dre Pretorius
A classic case of the grizzled pro up against the fearless rookie. Pretorius has been excellent in his debut Betway SA20 debut season, but it was Rabada that worked him over when the two sides met at Newlands. It is also Pretorius’ first major playoffs game and he won’t have Joe Root at the other end to calm the nerves. KG will look to capitalise on any nervous energy just to put the youngster back in his box.
REWATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS: MI Cape Town claim Derby honours at Newlands | Paarl Royals return the favour at Boland Park
Rassie van der Dussen v Bjorn Fortuin
These two have played plenty of cricket together - both for the Lions and the Proteas. They are acutely aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Fortuin will look to dot up Van der Dussen in the Powerplay, and in turn transfer the pressure to his opening partner Ryan Rickelton to make a play. Van der Dussen, though, has changed his approach this season by showing greater intent in the Powerplay. He was also excellent in the clash at Boland Park where he stroked 91 not out.
Rassie van der Dussen has all the strokes in his armoury
Rashid Khan v Mujeeb Ur Rahman
The Battle of the Afghans. Both MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals possess a world-class mystery spinner from Afghanistan. Mujeeb has been sensational for the Royals and is the competition's second highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps at 18.57. Rashid, though, is MI Cape Town’s captain and talisman. His team feeds off his bustling energy as leads from the front with his bustling energy.
Mujeeb may have more wickets than his Afghanistan teammate, but Rashid Khan has all the tricks in the book to be key at St George's Park
George Linde v David Miller
“Big George” has enjoyed a dream campaign with both bat and ball. He smashed a few important sixes at the death, but its his orthodox left-arm spin that complimented Rashid’s mystery beautifully for MI Cape Town. He faces a major match-up today though against fit-again Royals captain Miller. In the absence of Joe Root, Miller’s experience is vital and he will look to take down Linde, especially with the short boundary on the one side of the ground for the left-hander at St George’s Park.
George Linde is already 1-0 up against David Miller this season, having claimed his wicket during the Cape Derby at Newlands
Ryan Rickelton v Kwena Maphaka
The other half of the imposing MI Cape Town opening duo, Rickleton has once again been in superb form during SA20. Were it not for missing a few games at the start of the competition, he would undoubtedly have challenged his record run spree of last season. Rickelton will come up against a charged-up Maphaka, who has shown his feisty side already and his willingness not stand back to anyone. An intriguing battle between the two southpaws await.
Kwena Maphaka has not stood back to any batter in his debut SA20 campaign
