Last Updated on 3 days by Charbel Coorey

Jozi Stars vs NMB Giants MSL T20 Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | JZ vs NMB Giants MSL T20 Prediction Today

Welcome to the preview of the 8th match of MSL T20 2019 between Jozi Stars and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants. Last time both these teams met, the latter got the better of the former by 24 runs.

Speaking of current form, the NMB Giants are sitting pretty at the 2nd position with one match won and one abandoned. On the other hand, the champions of the inaugural MSL season, Jozi Stars, with some big names of this format, are having a hard time, losing all three of their matches to sit at the bottom of the points table.

Key to a Stars Win

The major problem for Stars is the over-dependency on their heavy top order, which is not performing as per their expectations. Reeza Hendricks, with captain Temba Bavuma, have looked liked sole warriors from their side.

The likes of “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle, Rassie Van Der Dussen and the finisher in Dan Christian have to take responsibility if they have to stay in the competition.

Also, their bowling is not on track, conceding over 160 runs in every match so far in MSL 2019. Gerald Coetzee showed in the last match that he can be the perfect partner for Kagiso Rabada, who also has performed only in patches. Simon Harmer has been a big positive for them, but needs support.

They need the all-rounder in Dan Christian to step up and turn their fortunes. Last year, star Duanne Oliver was also warming the benches after their first match, but can go through any batting lineup on his day. A call up waiting?

Key to an Giants Victory

The NMB Giants are looking a balanced side with a solid middle order and good bowling attack. But, if they are to go deep into this tournament, they have to fix their problems of the top order not performing.

Matthew Breetzke has looked good at the top and needs support from the other end. Jason Roy got out for a duck in the first match when they played Jozi Stars but a player of his caliber cannot be underestimated. The form of their skipper Jon-Jon Smuts is also a concern for them, so can he step up?

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Ben Dunk’s batting position is creating a mess in their batting order as the likes of Heino Kuhn and Farhaan Behardein are getting very few balls to work with, so it’s something to zlso consider.

Also, their bowling looks solid with likes of Morris and Dala performing consistently. It is only a matter of time when Imran Tahir finds his form, with Aaron Phangiso performing well. Nandre Burger also bowled well last season, so has it in him to produce the goods for NMB Giants.

Possible Playing 11

The Stars can make one or two changes considering their bowling performance. They could include Duanne Oliver in the XI.

Jozi Stars: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Temba Bavuma (c) 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. Daniel Christian, 6. Ryan Rickelton (wk), 7. Simon Harmer, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Gerald Coetzee, 10. Aaron Phangiso, 11. Duanne Oliver/Lizaad Williams

NMB Giants should stick with their winning combination.

NMB Giants: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Matthew Breetzke (wk), 3. Jon-Jon Smuts (c), 4. Ben Dunk, 5. Heino Kuhn, 6. Farhaan Behardien, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Onke Nyaku, 9. Junior Dala, 10. Imran Tahir, 11. Nandre Burger

Pitch and Conditions

The New Wanderers Stadium at Johannesburg is heaven for the batsmen. The average score of both innings is 160+.

One trend observed is that if the batting team crosses the 170 mark, they have won most of the time. So, win the toss, bat first and post a good score should be the way on this wicket.

Stats and Facts

• Pacers absolutely dominate spinners on this ground
• Van der Dussen is the highest scorer on this ground, followed by Reeza Hendricks.
• Despite the first stat, Aaron Phangiso is the highest wicket taker at this venue.

Dream11 Prediction (3 options)

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Team 1: Assuming a NMB Giants victory

Team 2 : Assuming a Jozi Star victory

Team 3: A Balanced Team

Match Prediction

Overall, we should expect a great high scoring game. The team who bats first could go on to win this clash.

Written by Robin Rounder – follow Robin on Twitter today.