Preview: The defending champs Jozi Stars beat last year’s runners up CT Blitz twice in their three meetings last season so expect them to be a tough proposition at the Bullring.

The Stars will rely on Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen for their runs. Their bowling lineup has the makings of a championship team with Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer and Duanne Olivier.

The Blitz will no doubt be competitive under coach Ashwell Prince. Their batting unit will depend on Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan. Dale Steyn leads a pacy attack alongside Anrich Nortje and Wahab Riaz.

Expect this heavyweight clash to be a close call.

Prediction: Jozi Stars to win at

Value Bet: Jozi Stars top batter Rassie van der Dussen at

Preview: The two sides who finished bottom go head to head in Durban with both sides desperate to change their fortunes from last year.

The Durban Heat, who were wooden spinners, are loaded with international talent. Captain Dane Vilas, David Miller and Alex Hales are the batting spine for the Heat. Their bowlers include Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj and the impressive all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

The Spartans will, of course, rely on AB de Villiers to light up the MSL for them and he will be backed up by new skipper Heinrich Klaasen. Their bowling unit looks exciting with Proteas Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla and the experienced Morne Morkel leading the attack.

These sides will look to set the right tone for their MSL 2019 campaign but the home team might edge this match considering their knowledge of local conditions.

Prediction: Durban Heat to win at

Value Bet: Kyle Abbott to be Durban Heat top bowler at

Preview: Coming soon

Prediction: Coming soon

Value Bet: Coming soon

Preview: Coming soon

Prediction: Coming soon

Value Bet: Coming soon

Preview: Centurion will host its first match of the MSL 2019 when Spartans host the Giants.

The Spartans had their first match rained out without a ball being bowled in Durban and shared the points. The Spartans will, of course, rely on AB de Villiers to light up the MSL and he will be backed up by new skipper Heinrich Klaasen. Their bowling unit looks exciting with Proteas Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla and the experienced Morne Morkel leading the attack.

The Giants have started their campaign in the best possible manner, a win at home against the Jozi Stars. Experienced duo Heino Kuhn and Farhaan Behardien came through with the bat in the first match but the explosive Jason Roy and Matthew Breetzke eager to get their campaign going. Imran Tahir is their main man with the ball while Junior Dala and Chris Morris provide good support.

Expect the star-studded Spartan to win on home turf.

Prediction: Spartans to win

Value Bet: Lungi Ngidi to be Spartans top bowler

Preview: A rematch of the tournament opener which the Blitz won, but this time it’s in Cape Town.

It’s the BLitz first home match and there tournament has already seen them at their best and their worst. They beat the Jozi Stars in the tournament opener by 15 runs thanks to a wondrful 99* from Janneman Malan. However, they were thrashed by 86 runs in the Western Cape derby by the Paarl Rocks. Look out for Malan and Quinton de Kock with the bat while Anrich Nortje’s pace is already causing some discomfort for the batsmen.

The Stars are rooted to the bottom of the log after two losses in two. Their latest loss was against the Giants by 24. With such a powerlful line up which includes the form man Reeza Hendricks as well as a potent attack led by Kagiso Rabada, the Stars are more thanc capable of igniting their season and defending their crown. They started slwo last season as well.

We expecting the Blitz to treat the Newlands faithful to a win. 

Prediction: CT Blitz to win

Value Bet: Anrich Nortje to be CT Blitz top bowler

Preview: Another washed out fixture looms as Kwazulu Natal continues to be hit hard by inclement weather.

The home team have yet to see a ball bowled in this years MSL and that looks likely to be the case come Friday evening. That said, the Heat boast an explosive batting unit with Alex Hales, David Miller and Sarel Erwee to name a few. Kyle Abbott leads the attack with a supporting cast that includes Malusi Siboto, exciting quick Marco Jansen and the economic left-arm spin from Keshav Maharaj.

Their opponents the Paarl Rocks have had the best possible start to the tournament after crushing the Cape Town Blitz by 86 runs on Sunday. The experienced trio of Faf du Plessis, Henry Davids and Dwaine Pretorius chipped in with handy 30’s to help them post 170/7 (20 overs) in Paarl. The Rocks defended that total with ease with their entire bowling unit chipping on to sweep aside the Blitz for 84 all out. Spinners Bjorn Fortuin and Tabraiz Shamsi picked up 2 and 3 wickets respectively.

Rain will affect this match but an away win for the Paarl Rocks is very possible.

Prediction: Paarl Rocks to win

Value Bet: Sarel Erwee to be Durban Heat top batsmen

Preview: The defending champions are winless after their opening three games having lost for the second time this season to the Cape Town Blitz. Their batting unit failed to impress in Cape Town with Chris Gayle falling cheaply as well. Temba Bavuma scored an impressive 62 but their gun players, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen need to fire. On the bowling front, all of the Stars bowlers were expensive except for wily Aaron Phangiso. They desperately need a win and this match could be the perfect fixture to kickstart their campaign.

The NMB Giants won their opener against the Stars last week and then had their midweek match against the Tshwane Spartans rained out. They are second on the log with six points. Experienced duo Heino Kuhn and Farhaan Behardien came through with the bat last week against the Stars but the explosive Jason Roy and Matthew Breetzke will be eager to get their campaign going. Imran Tahir is their main man with the ball while Junior Dala and Chris Morris provide good support.

At the Bullring, we could see the Jozi Stars finally get off the mark this season.

Prediction:  Jozi Stars to win

Value Bet: Simon Harmer to be Jozi Stars top bowler

Preview: The biggest question around this match is the weather, will Durban be able to host a cricket match after seeing such ruthless rain throughout the week.

The home team will be desperate to get on the park and make a statement in the MSL. The Heat will hopefully unleash their explosive batting unit with Alex Hales, David Miller and Sarel Erwee to name a few. Kyle Abbott leads the attack with a supporting cast that includes Malusi Siboto, exciting quick Marco Jansen and the economic left-arm spin from Keshav Maharaj.

Their opponents are the inform Cape Town Blitz who are sitting pretty at the top of the table after two wins from their opening three matches. They travel to Durban on a high after overseas pro Liam Livingstone lit up Newlands this week with a powerful 64 in their 57 run win over the Jozi Stars. Their bowling unit also seems to be firing with Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala performing. They still have the pace of international veterans Dale Steyn and Wahab Riaz.

The Cape Town Blitz could definitely steal a win with their fiery pace attack and economic spinners.

Prediction:  CT Blitz to win

Value Bet: Anrich Nortje to be top bowler for CT Blitz

Preview: With AB de Villiers in town a big crowd is expected in Paarl on Sunday with the usual festive atmosphere expected.

Paarl Rocks have managed only one game so far because their second fixture was rained out in Durban. However, the one match they did finish, they completely outplayed the Cape Town Blitz in front of their home crowd last Sunday. The experienced trio of Faf du Plessis, Henry Davids and Dwaine Pretorius chipped in with handy 30’s to help them post 170/7 (20 overs) in Paarl. The Rocks defended that total with ease with their entire bowling unit chipping on to sweep aside the Blitz for 84 all out. Spinners Bjorn Fortuin and Tabraiz Shamsi picked up 2 and 3 wickets respectively.

The Spartans had their first match rained out without a ball being bowled in Durban and shared the points. The Spartans will, of course, rely on AB de Villiers to light up the MSL and he will be backed up by new skipper Heinrich Klaasen. Their bowling unit looks exciting with Proteas Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla and the experienced Morne Morkel leading the attack.

The Spartans might just edge the Rocks on a usually high scoring Boland Park wicket.

Prediction:  Spartans to win

Value Bet: Morne Morkel to be top bowler for Spartans

Preview: A top of the table clash in Port Elizabeth awaits as the Giants host the Blitz.

The Giants are yet to lose this season having beat the struggling Jozi Stars twice while their match against the Spartans was rained out. In their last match, the Giants attack bowled the Stars out for just 108 with Junior Dala and Imran Tahir picking up wickets. Their top-order which includes Hason Roy, Ben Dunk and JJ Smuts made light work of the chase.

Meanwhile, the Blitz are flying high at the summit of the log. Dale Steyn has been in scintillating form with the ball leading the attack which boasts Sisanda Magala, Anrich Nortje and Waha Riaz. On the batting front, all of the Blitz batsmen are contributing in matches to help them gain ascendancy in matches. They are a well balanced team.

Expect the Blitz to continue their decent form and edge the Giants in PE.

Prediction:  Blitz to win to at

Value Bet: Marques Ackermann to be Giants top batter at

Preview: Two teams who’ve had their MSL hampered by inclement weather meet in at Centurion on Thursday.

The Spartans have completed only one match and came out victorious against the Paarl Rocks last Sunday. In Paarl, they chased down their target of 186 with only two wickets down. Dean Elgar’s 88*led the charge with Theunis de Bruyn (42) and Heinrich Klaasen (31) assisting him. Their bowlers were expensive although Morne Morkel and Roelof van der Merwe were the most economical in a high scoring match.

The Durban Heat have a had a torrid tournament with two games washed out before eventually losing to the Cape Town Blitz in their one fixture that saw a result. The visitors will be desperate to make an impact in the MSL as they and the Jozi Stars remain winless. The Heat will hopefully unleash their explosive batting unit with Alex Hales, David Miller and Sarel Erwee although it was Wihan Lubbe’s 83 (42 balls) against the Blitz that stood out. Kyle Abbott leads the attack with a supporting cast that includes Malusi Siboto (best bowler against the Blitz), Andile Phehlukwayo and the economic left-arm spin from Keshav Maharaj.

The Spartans will be on a high after a commanding win against the Paarl Rocks and they play a winless Durban Heat on their home patch. Expect the Spartans to come out on top.

Prediction: Spartans to win to at

Value Bet: Theunis de Bruyn to be Spartans top batter at

Preview: A cracking match awaits in front of what should be a lively Paarl crowd on Friday evening.

The Paarl Rocks have had a mixed tournament, they’ve lost one, won one and had one no result. They are back on their home patch after losing by eight wickets to the Spartans in a high scoring match last Sunday. The Paarl batsmen have yet to ‘rock’ up in their two completed matches besides Englishmen James Vince, who scored 86* against the Spartans. No other batsmen has gone past 50 although Henry Davids, Faf du Pless and Dwaine Pretorius have scored 30’s. The Rocks spinners have been leading the away in terms of their bowlers. Tabraiz Shamsi, 4 wickets, is the highest wicket-taker while Bjorn Fortuin is their tidiest bowler with an economy rate of under six an over.

The defending MSL champions, the Jozi Stars. have had the worst possible start to their title defence losing four out of four matches. Reeza Hendricks and Temba Bavuma have batted well with both averaging just above 40. They’ll want more from Chris Gayle and Rassie van der Dussen who haven’t delivered so far. Neil Mckenzie has joined them as a consultant so he will hopefully urgently improve their batting unit. Once again, spin seems to be the best option for captains as Simon Harmer, 4 wickets, is the Stars highest wicket-taker while the wily Aaron Phangiso is their most economical bowler.

It should be another high scoring match under lights in Paarl and I think the Stars could break their losing streak.

Prediction: Jozi Stars to win at

Value Bet: Reeza Hendricks to be Stars top batsman.

Preview: Log leaders NMB Giants host the unlucky Durban Heat in what could be another thriller in Port Elizabeth.

Fresh off an inspiring win over the Cape Town Blitz, the Giants remain unbeaten at the summit of the MSL table. Captain JJ Smuts 73 (51 balls) with the help of the big-hitting Marco Marais 40 (20 balls) helped them to remarkable win in front of their home crowd against the MSL pace setters. Imran Tahir continues to impress with the ball as the Giants confidence should be sky-high. They are unbeaten despite their exciting opening pair of Matthew Breetzke and Jason Roy not firing so far.

The Durban Heat must be the unluckiest team in the competition after their third match (against Spartans) of the MSL was rained out with no result possible. The visitors will be desperate to make an impact in the MSL as they and the Jozi Stars remain winless. The Heat will hopefully unleash their explosive batting unit with Alex Hales, David Miller and Sarel Erwee although it was Wihan Lubbe’s 83 (42 balls) against the Blitz that stood out. Kyle Abbott leads the attack with a supporting cast that includes Malusi Siboto (best bowler against the Blitz), Andile Phehlukwayo and the economic left-arm spin from Keshav Maharaj.

Expect the Giants to continue their form against what could be a rusty Durban Heat outfit.

Prediction: Giants to win at

Value Bet: Jason Roy to be Giants top batsman at

Preview: CT Blitz will want revenge after the humiliation in the derby at the hands of the Paarl Rocks at Boland Park.

Prediction: CT Blitz to win

Value Bet: Janneman Malan to be Blitz top batsman at

Preview: Spartans should be to powerful for a Stars side strugling for confidence.

Prediction: Spartans to win

Value Bet: A Phangiso to be Stars top bowler at

Preview: A top of the table clash awaits us in Port Elizabeth as the unbeaten NMB Giants host the Paarl Rocks.

The Giants will be buoyed by their home form in PE after another convincing win on Saturday. They beat the Durban Heat by five wickets with one ball remaining. Jason Roy finally made an impact on the MSL with man-of-the-match 50 off 38 balls. JJ Smuts is the Giants tournament-leading run-scorer while Chris Morris and Marco Marais both have strike rates just above the 200 mark. Imran Tahir remains their best bowler with seven wickets and an economy rate below six runs an over.

The Paarl Rocks completed the double over their Western Cape neighbours after beating CT Blitz by two runs at Newlands. The Paarl franchise are now in second place having lost only one match thus far. Henry Davids was the topscorer in their last match with 33-ball 44 opening the batting. Davids along with Englishman James Vince are the top runscorers for the Rocks. Their two left-arm spinners, Bjorn Fortuin and Tabraiz Shamsi have been the standout bowlers. Fortuin is the most economical bowler, his five wickets come with an economy rate of under six an over. The wrist spinning Shamsi leads the pack with seven wickets.

Expect the Giants to continue their impressive home record and remain unbeaten.

Prediction: NMB Giants to win

Value Bet: M Breetzke to Giants top batsman

Preview: The early MSL frontrunners the Cape Town Blitz host the winless and unlucky Durban Heat.

The Blitz early form has been stifled after suffering their third loss of the competition to the Paarl Rocks on Sunday at Newlands. The Cape side hasn’t had batsmen that have lit up the tournament, only in fits and spurts. Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock and Liam Livingstone are their leading run-scorers. ON the bowling front, Dale Steyn has rolled back the years to be their leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps while Pakistani quick, Wahab Riaz, has also contributed with some wickets and the best economy rate.

The Durban Heat have only completed two of their five matches in this year’s MSL. Unfortunately for them they’ve lost those two and remain winless. The visitors will be desperate to make an impact in the MSL as they and the Jozi Stars remain winless. The Heat will hopefully unleash their explosive batting unit with Alex Hales, David Miller and Sarel Erwee although it is Wihan Lubbe and Ravi Bopara who made an impact so far. Kyle Abbott leads the attack with a supporting cast that includes Malusi Siboto (best bowler so far), Andile Phehlukwayo and the economic left-arm spin from Keshav Maharaj.

It would be hard to be against the Blitz at Newlands although the Heat’s desperation for a win could make this a humdinger in Cape Town.

Prediction: NMB Giants to win at

Value Bet: Wiaan Mulder to be Spartans top batsmen at

Value Bet: Roelof van der Merwe Spartans top bowler at

Value Bet: Heino Kuhn to be Giants top batsmen at

Value Bet: RJJ Smuts to be Giants top bowler at

Preview: The top of the table Paarl Rocks travels to the dangerous Tshwane Spartans in a bumper MSL Friday night clash.

The Spartans have yet to lose a match this season, albeit because of three no-results, but they have won the two matches that could complete. In their last match, where they beat the Jozi Stars by a commanding 20 runs with star man AB de Villiers picking up the man of the match. Others to look for with the bat is Dean Elgar (top runscorer for Spartans), Theunis de Bruyn and Pite van Biljon. Morne Morkel remains their best bowler in terms of wickets and economy rate, he is supported by Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla and Tom Curran. Spin options are Roelof van der Merwe and Dean Elgar.

After their big win in PE over the NMB Giants, the Rocks find themselves at the summit of the MSL table having lost just one match but won four (one no-result). The Paarl side is a fascinating team with no real star performer in both the batting and the bowling. James Vince is their highest runscorer while Faf du Plessis, Henry Davids and others have also made important contributions. The Rocks spinners continue to be the main threat, namely Tabraiz Shamsi and Bjorn Fortuin. However, wily white-ball bowler Ferisco “The Ice-Man” Adams starred in their last match.

Although the Rocks are on a high, expect the unbeaten Spartans to take this match at home.

Prediction: Spartans to win at

Value Bet: Heinrich Klaasen to be Spartans top batsmen at

Preview:

The Durban Heat are finally part of the MSL 2019 edition after a much needed seven wicket win over the CT Blitz.

The Heat are back home and will home the Durban weather can play ball this time around. The Heat, of course, have had half of their six matches washed out due to inclement weather. In their win over the Blitz, youngster Wihahn Lubbe continued his decent form with the bat scoring an important 49, he was excellent alongside skipper Dane Vilas who got 79. The Heat still have the likes of Alex Hales, David Miller and Ravi Bopara to call on if needed. With the ball, Keshav Maharaj remains the most economical while fast bowlers Malusi Siboto and Kyle Abbott have been the pick so far.

The Giants are tied for the top spot on the log after suffering their first loss against joint-leaders Paarl Rocks midweek. Despite their 31 run loss, the Giants are having a solid campaign. Ben Dunk and JJ Smuts are their leading run scorers but there have been some meaningful contributions from Marco Marais and Jason Roy. As expected, Imran Tahir is their most prolific wicket-taker and most economical bowler. Also, Junior Dala has also taken wickets but at an expensive rate. Nandre Burger, Chris Morris and SMuts have also contributed with ball.

Although the NMB Giants have impressed, the Durban Heat could feel like the shackles have been released after their midweek win and begin a winning run at home.

Prediction: Durban Heat to win at

Value Bet: Dane Vilas to be Heat top batsmen at

Preview: 

Winless Jozi Stars take on the log leading Paarl Rocks

Prediction: Durban Heat to win at

Value Bet: Dane Vilas to be Heat top batsmen at

Preview: 

The Blitz host a resurgent Spartans who are unbeaten.

Prediction: Spartans to win

Value Bet: Heinrich Klaasen to be Spartans top batsmen

Preview: The Tshwane Spartans lost their first match over the weekend and they continue their journeys on the coast as they face the NMB Giants in Port Elizabeth.

The NMB Giants are still in second place (with a game in hand) on the MSL log after their six wicket loss to the Durban Heat over the weekend. Despite the loss, their top order of Ben Dunk (34), Jason Roy (36) and especially JJ Smuts (54) made useful contributions. Smuts, coming in at three is their best performer with the bat with 204 tournament runs. As expected, Imran Tahir is their best bowler, he has 10 tournament wickets and an economy of under six runs an over. Also, Junior Dala has also taken wickets but at an expensive rate. Junior Dala has 11 wickets but has been pricey while Nandre Burger and JJ Smuts have been solid with ball in hand.

The Spartans lost their first match of the MSL (to the CT Blitz) in a busy weekend where they also beat the Paarl Rocks on Friday. Starman AB de Villiers top runscorer for Spartans), Dean Elgar and Pite van Biljon have been their best batsmen; van Biljon made a very good 64 kin a losing effort against the CT Blitz. Morne Morkel remains their best bowler in terms of wickets and has the second-best economy rate, the best one belongs to Wiaan Mulder who is going at 5.33 an over. They are supported by Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla and Tom Curran. Spin options are Roelof van der Merwe and Dean Elgar.

The first loss for the Spartans could signify a strong reaction from the Tshwane based outfit in Port Elizabeth.

Prediction: Spartans to win take at

Value Bet: Wiaan Mulder to be Spartans top bowler at

Preview:

The high flying Paarl Rocks are hosting a Durban Heat side who are finally gaining some momentum in the MSL 2.0.

In their last previous match, the Rocks pulled off a five wicket win over the struggling Jozi Stars. This mainly down to a sublime 63* by SIbonelo Makhanya in the middle order. As in most matches, there were stead contributions from the Paarl batsmen with only Makhanya standing out. Overall, Englishman James Vince (192) and local boy Henry Davids (153) are the primary sources of runs in this MSL. The Rocks spinners continue to be the main threat, namely Tabraiz Shamsi ( 10 wickets) and Bjorn Fortuin (6.03 runs per over). Sri Lanka all-rounder Isuru Udana has also contributed with seven wickets.

The Heat head into the match after two big wins on the bounce. The Heat have had a rough tournament with the weather their biggest enemy. After their win against the Blitz, they went on to beat the NMB Giants where internationals David Miller (50*) and Alex Hales (41) shined. Miller (144 runs), youngster Wihahn Lubbe (163) and Dane Vilas (127) are the top run-scorers. With the ball, Keshav Maharaj continues to shine having taken three wickets in their last win and remains the most economical while fast bowlers Malusi Siboto, ( 6 wickets) Andile Phehlukwayo (6) and Kyle Abbott (4) have contributed.

An upset could be on the cards, the Heat could definitely stun the home team in Paarl.

Prediction: Heat to win take at

Value Bet: Wihahn Lubbe to be Spartans top batsmen at

Preview:

Rained out.

Prediction: Spartans to win take at

Value Bet: AB de Villiers to be Spartans top batsmen at

Preview:

As massive clash awaits in the Mother City as the push for a place in the playoffs intensifies.

After such a promising start the MSL, the CT Blitz have stuttered and now find themselves second from the bottom facing a must-win game at Newlands. They did win their last match against the Spartans thanks to fine performances from David Bedingham (54) and Dale Steyn (3/10). Opener Janneman Malan has been excellent at Newlands and is the Blitz’ top scorer with 298 runs (avg. 48.50). Liam Livingstone and Quinton de Kock are next but are a 100 runs behind Malan. Steyn is the undoubted leader of the attack, he has the most wickets (15) and the best economy rate.

The NMB Giants are sitting pretty at the top, equal on points with the Paarl Rocks but with a game in hand. A win will all but guarantee them a place in the playoffs. In their last match, BEn Duk produced a match-winning 99* and he had some help from Ryan ten Doeschate and Marco Marais. With regards to their bowlers, Imran Tahir is still the standout with 12 wickets and the best economy while Junior `Dala also has 12 wickets himself.

With so much at stake for them, the CT Blitz could win this one at Newlands.

Prediction: CT Blitz to win take at

Value Bet: Sisanda Magala to be Blitz top bowler at

Preview:

The NMB Giants were unlucky to miss out on a guaranteed final spot as they ended the pool stage level on points with the Paarl Rocks. Unfortunately, the Rocks had a superior Net Run Rate.

The Giants will feel pretty confident on their home patch, specifically against the Psratans having beaten them in earlier in the tournament by six wickets.

On the batting front, Ben Dunk has been their best with a total of 380 runs (avg. 54.25 and SR 149.01) while skipper JJ Smuts has played some key innings. The likes of Marco Marais and Matthew Breetzke have shown is shirt instances of their destructiveness with the bat.

With the ball, it should come as no surprise that 40-year-old Imran Tahir is both the leading wicket-taker (16) and the most economical bowler (5.68). Although expensive when compared to Tahir, Junior Dala (12) and Chris Morris (10) have been amongst the wickets while captain JJ Smuts left-arm spin has miserly with ane economy of 6.61.

Despite only completing half of their pool matches, the Spartans ended in the third place having won three of those matches, while they had two losses and five no-results.

The ultimate match-winner AB de Villiers tops the Spartans runscorers with 247 runs at an average of 49.40 (SR 150). He remains the key wicket in the Spartans lineup. AB’s support cast consists of Dean Elgar (180 runs), Heinrich Klaasen (128) and Pite van Biljon (125).

On the bowling front, Morne Morkel has turned back the clock and taken 10 wickets with an economy of sic an over. He has been the PSarans best bowler while Lungi Ngidi has taken nine himself.

Recent history suggests the NMB Giants will beat the Spartans in PE.

Prediction: NMB Giants to win take at

Value Bet: Wiaan Mulder to be Spartans top batsmen at

Value Bet: Roelof van der Merwe Spartans top bowler at

Value Bet: Heino Kuhn to be Giants top batsmen at

Value Bet: RJJ Smuts to be Giants top bowler at

Preview:

The Mzansi Super League concludes on Monday when the Paarl Rocks host the Tshwane Spartans to Boland Park for the final in front of a sold-out crowd in Paarl.

The Rocks have never beaten the Spartans in the competition’s brief history – losing all four of their meetings to date.

It’s shaping up to be an engaging final, The Rocks topped the table with six out of their 10 matches. Meanwhile, the Spartans won just three matches with five being washed out.

For the Rocks, Cameron Delport is their top run-scorer with 246 runs but the Paarl side has seen numerous important contributions from a range of batsmen. Look out for Faf du Plessis and youngster Kyle Verreynne to make an impact.

With the ball, Tabraiz Shamsi, the third-best wicket-taker in the MSL with 14 dismissals. He trails Imran Tahir (17) and Dale Steyn (15). Their other spinner Bjorn Fortuin has been the most economical while it’s a huge boost to have Dwaine Pretorius fit for the final

Two of the Spartans three MSL pool wins were against the Paarl Rocks and then on Friday when they won the Qualifier against NMB Giants, in Port Elizabeth to earn their spot to the final.

Amongst the batsmen on both sides, AB de Villiers is fourth-best tournament run-scorer with 274 runs and the best of the Spartans. Pite van Biljon and Dean Elgar have also chipped in alongside a handful of other Spartan batsmen.

On the bowling front, Morne Morkel has been the Spartans best with 12 wickets and an economy rate under six runs per over. With the experience in the Spartans favour, I expect them to continue their stranglehold over the Rocks.

Prediction: Rocks to win take at

Value Bet: Pite van Biljon to be Spartans top batsmen at

Value Bet: Imran Manack Spartans top bowler at

Value Bet: Kyle Verreynne to be Rocks top batsmen at

Value Bet: Ferisco Adams to be Rocks top bowler at