Mpumalanga vs Knights Chances of Winning

Mpumalanga started their campaign with a touch of bad luck as their first game ended without a result. However, they took an unseemly victory against Easterns last time out where the former were restricted to a mere 116 runs in the first innings. Opener and wicket-keeper batter Zakir Kathrada was the standout performer as he scored 37 runs, followed by all-rounder Hermann Rolfes who notched up 31 runs. The bowlers, though, just about managed to defend it as they bundled out the opposition for 116, leading to a one-over eliminator where Mpumalanga emerged victorious.

The Knights, on the other hand, faced their first defeat of the season at the hands of Border in the previous encounter. The former, having batted first, scored a measly 110 runs where Cole Abrahams top-scored with 31 runs. With virtually no assistance from the other batters, they did not give the bowlers much to work with. Naturally, the team failed to defend the total which resulted in a four-wicket loss.

• Mpumalanga chance of winning - 30%
• Knights chance of winning - 70%

Mpumalanga vs Knights Betting Tips

Knights to score high before first dismissal

Jacques Snyman and Gihahn Cloete’s consistency, or the lack thereof, has had a detrimental impact on the Knights’ opening wicket. In the three matches they have played thus far, the pair set up totals of 7, 81 and 6 runs before the first dismissal. Snyman’s average of 14.33 in the tournament could be better, and he certainly has the potential to get better, while fellow opener Cloete has a more favorable average of 23.66. Despite two single digit stands, they are expected to build on their form and improve going forward.

Mpumalanga vs Knights Toss Prediction

In the previous game between Mpumalanga and Easterns held at Uplands College, the former elected to bat first and despite a low 116-run total, they managed to win in a one-over eliminator. Although the total is not entirely convincing, batting first remains a safe option at the venue.

Weather Report

Light rain is forecast at White River on the day of the game and the chance of precipitation stands at 25%. The temperature is set to hover around 21 degrees Celsius.

Mpumalanga Player List

Muhammed Mayet (c), Karabo Mogotsi, Ricus Kramm, Aubrey Swanepoel, Gareth Dukes, Hermann Rolfes, Jon Hinrichsen, Tetelo Maphaka, Benjamin van Niekerk, Musawenkosi Twala, Zakir Kathrada, Bryn Brokensha, Smangaliso Nhlebela.

Predicted Playing XI

Zakir Kathrada	Wicket-keeper
Musawenkosi Twala	Batter
Muhammed Mayet (C)	Batter
Benjamin van Niekerk	Batter
Hermann Rolfes	All-rounder
Aubrey Swanepoel	All-rounder
Bryn Brokensha	Bowler
Jon Hinrichsen	All-rounder
Karabo Mogotsi	Batter
Tetelo Maphaka	All-rounder
Ricus Kramm	Batter

Mpumalanga Team Form

Mpumalanga’s batting display was far from ideal in the last outing, and they certainly have their work cut out against the Knights. Their bowling attack’s aggressive approach, though, was absolutely commendable since it took them to victory.

Knights Player List

Dane Piedt (c), Cole Abrahams, Rilee Rossouw, Jacques Snyman, Patrick Botha, Ross Boast, Ruan Haasbroek, Gihahn Cloete, Gerrie Snyman, Johannes van Dyk, Malusi Siboto, Mbongiseni Mhlanga, Reuben du Toit, Sisanda Magala, Sithembile Langa.

Predicted Playing XI

Jacques Snyman	All-rounder
Gihahn Cloete	Wicket-keeper
Rilee Rossouw	Batter
Cole Abrahams	Batter
Patrick Botha	All-rounder
Ruan Haasbroek	All-rounder
Ross Boast	All-rounder
Dane Piedt (C)	Bowler
Malusi Siboto	Bowler
Sithembile Langa	Bowler
Mbongiseni Mhlanga	Bowler

Knights Team Form

The Knights’ performance in the last game was rather uncharacteristic considering their batters were on the money in the two matches prior to that. They are expected to return to form in the next match.

Mpumalanga vs Knights Head-to-Head

In the two matches between the sides, Knights won a single game while the other fixture was abandoned.

Head-to-Head Record

Total - 2

Mpumalanga - 0

Knights - 1

Abandoned - 1

Mpumalanga vs Knights Betting Odds

Knights to have a better opening partnership than Mpumalanga

Zakir Kathrada is Mpumalanga’s mainstay opener this season, and he has opened alongside Musawenkosi Twala and Gareth Dukes in the last two matches. Together, they added 13 and 56 runs to the first wicket. The Knights, too, have had their ups and downs in this regard as Jacques Snyman and Gihahn Cloete have failed to maintain consistency. They secured stands of 7, 81 and 6 in the previous three matches, and the bookmakers expect the duo to return stronger and come good in the next encounter.

Mpumalanga vs Knights Best Batters

Zakir Kathrada to be Mpumalanga’s Best Batter

Zakir Kathrada was Mpumalanga’s leading run scorer in both matches so far where he scored 37 and 68* runs. He stands as their top batter overall in the competition with 105 runs in two innings, and his consistency makes him the favorite to come out on top in the next encounter as well.

Rilee Rossouw to be Knights’ Best Batter

Rilee Rossouw did not participate in the last match against Border but he continues to be their top run-getter in the tournament, having amassed 180 runs in two innings. He has two half-centuries as he notched up 83* and 97 runs, and he is expected to be their standout batter against Mpumalanga.

Mpumalanga vs Knights Best Bowlers

Bryn Brokensha to be Mpumalanga’s Best Bowler

Bryn Brokensha emerged as the top wicket-taker for Mpumalanga in the last outing against Easterns where he claimed a fifer in four innings with a brilliant economy rate of 3.00. He is their leading bowler overall, and his commendable average of 2.40 is the best of the team which makes him the top contender for the upcoming fixture against Knights.

Ross Boast to be Knights’ Best Bowler

Ross Boast was Knights’ second leading bowler in the previous encounter against Border where he picked two wickets in two innings and an average of 7.00. However, he is their leading bowler with seven wickets in two innings and an average of 3.71, and he is anticipated to be their premier bowler in the next match.

Our Prediction

Mpumalanga’s first game was washed out and it concluded without a result, and they managed to eke out a feeble victory against Easterns. They are fourth in the standings with a net run rate of 0.000, and their performance has not been entirely convincing. The Knights, though, are one of the most formidable teams in the competition as they stand second on the points table with two victories, one defeat and an outstanding net run rate of 2.760 which is the best of the tournament. Moreover, they have a 1-0 record against the Muhammed Mayet-led side which makes the Knights the favorites to reign supreme in this encounter.