The CSA T20 Challenge has entered the business end and in the 2nd semi-final of the tournament, we have the Western Province taking on the Rocks in what is expected to be an absolute fire cracker of a game.
Western Province placed second in the group stage after winning five of the seven games they played in the group round. They did, however, lose their last two games, to the Titans and the Dolphins, which could be a significant impact in this contest.
Against North West, the Rocks won four out of three games, including a Super Over victory. They were defeated by Knights in their final group stage match. Western Province defeated Rocks by six wickets in their most recent meeting, which took place in the very first match of the competition.
The match is scheduled to take place on the 25th of February, 2022 at St.George’s Park, Port Elizabeth.
Western Province vs Rocks – Pitch Report
The pitch is projected to provide only a minimal amount of help to the batters, and the bowlers may even outperform the batters in terms of performance. The team that wins the toss prefers to bat first and take advantage of the initial assistance provided by the pitch.
Western Province vs Rocks – Probable XI
Western Province
Richard Levi, Daniel Smith, Tony de Zorzi, Dane Vilas (wk), Jonathan Bird/Yaseen Vallie, George Linde, Wayne Parnell (c), Aviwe Mgijima, Mihlali Mpongwana, Beuran Hendricks, Junaid Dawood
Rocks
Janneman Malan, Pieter Malan (c), Valintine Kitime, Clyde Fortuin (wk), Ferisco Adams, Christiaan Jonker, Michael Copeland, Shaun von Berg, Imran Manack, Siyabonga Mahima, Ziyaad Abrahams
Western Province vs Rocks – Players to Watch
Dane Vilas
He has been an immense presence within the Western Province lineup. An absolute talent with the bat and a player who loves scoring runs. So far in the tournament, he has scored 183 runs from seven games and he will be relied upon to score those big runs and help his team progress.
Junaid Dawood
He is currently the leading wicket taker in the tournament and has capably led the bowling attack for the Western Province lineup. So far, he has picked up 11 wickets in 6 games and we are sure that he will scalp a few more against the Rocks.
Pieter Malan
He has been in great touch this season, having scored three half centuries and amassing a staggering 240 runs from seven games. He will have to put in a shift in the semi final as the Western Province is a formidable side.
Shaun von Berg
He has found his rhythm as the tournament has progressed and is currently one of the better bowlers in the Rocks lineup. He has scalped nine wickets from six games and he will be steaming in to pick up some more in the semi finals.
Western Province vs Rocks – Fantasy Lineup No.1
Wicket Keeper – Dane Vilas, Clyde Fortuin
Batters – Pieter Malan (c), Janneman Malan, Jonathan Bird
All-Rounders – Ferisco Adams, George Linde, Shaun von Berg (vc)
Bowlers – Junaid Dawood, Beuran Hendricks, Hardus Viljoen
Western Province vs Rocks – Fantasy Lineup No.2
Wicket Keeper – Dane Vilas
Batters – Pieter Malan, Christiaan Jonker, Jonathan Bird, Richard Levi
All-Rounders – Shaun von Berg, Aviwe Mgijima, Ferisco Adams (c)
Bowlers – Junaid Dawood, Hardus Viljoen, Wayne Parnell (vc)
Western Province vs Rocks – Predicted Winner
Both teams are going to bring their best lineup to the field and the match will be a close one. We predict a hard fought victory for the Rocks.
