South Africa T20 League

1st Semi-Final: PC vs PR

Preview

PC and PR will lock horns in the first Semi-Final of the South Africa T20 League in The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 08th February 2023 at 09:00 PM IST. Yesterday, PC beat PR by 59 runs after setting a colossal target of 227 with the help of Philip Salt (39 in 21 balls). Kusal Mendis's (80 in 41 balls), Colin Ingram’s (41 in 21 balls), and Neesham’s (22 in 11 balls) quick knocks.

The PC's captain Theunis de Bruyn will be pleased with how his team finished the league stage. They had their finest batting effort of the year. The Capitals Skipper hopes to capitalize on this momentum when they face the same team in the semifinal match. In this match, he will want better lines from his bowlers.

In the last game, Philip Salt and Kusal Mendis established a crucial relationship, and they will want to maintain it. After a strong performance from the middle order in the last game, the squad will look on Rilee Rossouw, Theunis de Bruyn, and Colin Ingram for runs. Down the order, James Neesham, Senuran Muthusamy, and Migael Pretorius strengthen the team's batting.

Although Eathan Bosch performed well, the team anticipates Senuran Muthusamy's new ball spells to be stronger. Anrich Nortje has been one of the top bowlers this year and works well with Adil Rashid in the middle overs. Moreover, Ingram, Neesham, and Migael Pretorius must cast effective spells for the side.

On the other hand, The team of David Miller must overcome their crushing defeat in the last round. Their bowlers had a subpar effort, allowing the Capitals to put up a significant score on the board. Miller wants his bowlers to perform better in this game, as it is a now-or-never situation.

It would be up to Jason Roy and Paul Stirling to give the team a strong start in this match. Jos Buttler should lead the batting with Eoin Morgan and Mitchell Van Buuren because he should feel confident following his spectacular effort in the last game. Miller likes to add rapid runs with Andile Phehluwayo and Evan Jones since they are both strong finishers.

In the last game, Codi Yusuf and Bjorn Fortuin leaked runs to be scored with the new ball; they must do better now. Due to their opponents' firm batting order, Lungi Ngidi and Evan Jones must limit scoring in the middle overs. As the fifth bowler, Andile Phehlukwayo has to perform well.

PC and PR have one win against each other in the group stage, and it will be fascinating to see which team will have the upper hand in a crucial knock-out game.

Match Details

Match: PC vs PR, 1st Semi-Final, South Africa T20 League

Date: Wednesday, February 08, 2023

Time: 09:00 PM

Venue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Pitch & Weather Report 

On February 8, Johannesburg's weather is predicted to be partly overcast, with a risk of light showers. Over the years, the pitch has been favorable for batting with real speed and bounce. The side batting first would aim for a total exceeding 180 runs.

The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg is the country's top batting surface. The batters are at an advantage because of a quick outfield. Stroke makers have had success in the past. Fast bowlers prepared to put up-bowling batters to the test have also succeeded.

We have seen significant run chases at this high-scoring stadium. As the ball will travel about early in the game, the weather will be crucial consideration during the toss. It will be 23℃ and 14℃ with a wind speed of 11 km/h in the south direction. The team pursuing has an edge in a game postponed due to weather. The team that wins the toss will probably start the game by bowling first.

PC vs PR Squads

PC: Philip Salt (wk), Kusal Mendis, Theunis de Bruyn, Rilee Rossouw, Shane Dadswell, James Neesham, Wayne Parnell (c), Senuran Muthusamy, Eathan Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Joshua Little Will Jacks, Clyde Fortuin, Adil Rashid, Marco Marais, Migael Pretorius, Daryn Dupavillon, Shaun von Berg, Cameron Delport

PR: Jason Roy, Jos Buttler (wk), Wihan Lubbe, David Miller (c), Dane Vilas, Eoin Morgan, Evan Jones, Ferisco Adams, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Imran Manack, Corbin Bosch, Andile Phehlukwayo, Obed McCoy, Ramon Simmonds, Mitchell Van Buuren, Codi Yusuf

PC vs PR Probable XIs

PC: Phil Salt, Kusal Mendis (wk), Theunis de Bruyn (c), Rilee Rossouw, Colin Ingram, James Neesham, Senuran Muthusamy, Migael Pretorius, Eathan Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Josh Little

PR: Jason Roy, Paul Stirling, Jos Buttler (wk), Mitchell van Buuren, Eoin Morgan, David Miller (c), Evan Jones, Mitchell van Buuren, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Match Prediction

We anticipate a thrilling match in this matchup. The Royals have a formidable batting order, but as we witnessed in the most recent game, the team needs help with their bowling. Their lack of variation and depth with the ball is a significant issue on a decent batting surface. 

On the other hand, the Pretoria bowlers have performed well in recent matches, while the team's batters are in fantastic form. They become the game's favorites as a result. PC to win this game.

.SuPCested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket