In the second game of the Mzansi Super League, Jozi Stars will turn out at their home venue. The track at Johannesburg generally prefers the pacers, and a score of 165 is often considered par at the venue.
For the home side, Dane Vilas will be leading a team that does not have big names, but the presence of Chris Gayle will be enough to send shivers down the rivals' spine. However, they will miss the services of Kagiso Rabada, Reeza Hendricks and Dwaine Pretorius, who are away on international duty for South Africa. Hence, the Stars look inexperienced and can face a stiff challenge against a well-balanced Bay Giants, who too are without their marquee player Imran Tahir and Chris Morris. A lot then will depend on bowlers Christian Jonker, Junior Dala and Aaron Phangiso, who will be eager to stop the "Universe Boss" Gayle from getting off to yet another flier.
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Wicket-keeper: Dane Vilas (8.5 credits)
Skipper Dane Vilas will shoulder the responsibility of the batting order with Gayle, in the absence of their international stars. Vilas made his debut in 2012 and though he is not in the fray currently, he has set the domestic stage on fire. He was the highest run-scorer for Lancashire in this year's County Championship as well.
Batsman: Chris Gayle (10 credits)
Gayle is one of the most dangerous batsmen in this format, and if he gets going, it is safe to say that the Bays will find it tough
In the second game of the Mzansi Super League, Jozi Stars will turn out at their home venue. The track at Johannesburg generally prefers the pacers, and a score of 165 is often considered par at the venue.
For the home side, Dane Vilas will be leading a team that does not have big names, but the presence of Chris Gayle will be enough to send shivers down the rivals' spine. However, they will miss the services of Kagiso Rabada, Reeza Hendricks and Dwaine Pretorius, who are away on international duty for South Africa. Hence, the Stars look inexperienced and can face a stiff challenge against a well-balanced Bay Giants, who too are without their marquee player Imran Tahir and Chris Morris. A lot then will depend on bowlers Christian Jonker, Junior Dala and Aaron Phangiso, who will be eager to stop the "Universe Boss" Gayle from getting off to yet another flier.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Dane Vilas (8.5 credits)
Skipper Dane Vilas will shoulder the responsibility of the batting order with Gayle, in the absence of their international stars. Vilas made his debut in 2012 and though he is not in the fray currently, he has set the domestic stage on fire. He was the highest run-scorer for Lancashire in this year's County Championship as well.
Batsman: Chris Gayle (10 credits)
Gayle is one of the most dangerous batsmen in this format, and if he gets going, it is safe to say that the Bays will find it tough to get back into the game. The veteran has already scored more than 12,000 T20 runs across various leagues, and with his ability to smash both spinners and pacers out of the ground, Gayle's inclusion in the team is almost a no-brainer.
All-rounder: Daniel Christian (9 credits)
With a batting strike-rate of 137.72 and with 186 wickets under his belt, the Aussie international will spearhead Jozi Stars' middle order. The all-rounder has played a pivotal role for Australia and for the T20 franchises that he has played for, and a lot will depend on him if the team wants to progress further in the tournament.
Bowler: Junior Dala (8.5 credits)
Junior Dala has serious pace, and is one of the most promising bowlers to have emerged from South Africa in the recent past. With 53 wickets at a phenomenal average of 24.96 across 55 T20 games, Dala will be the skipper Smuts' go-to man both in the Powerplay and the death overs. With the conditions helping fast bowlers, Dala remains a player to watch out for.
Captain: Chris Gayle
Vice-captain: Junior Dala
