Bidvest Wanderers is the host venue for the CSA T20 Challenge which returns on Sunday for probably its last season after being overshadowed by the new Mzansi Super League.
The final sees the Eastern Cape side, Warriors clash against the Gauteng based Bizhub Highveld Lions. The Lions will enjoy playing in front of their home crowd but will not underestimate the threat that Warriors bring.
Conditions
Sunny conditions are expected in Johannesburg tomorrow with no chance of rain. Wanderers pitch is well known for its pace, lack of spin and consistent bounce. If the conditions are as expected we should be in for a high scoring encounter.
Previous Matches
The two sides have played twice in the CSA T20 Challenge. The first encounter saw Lions outplayed by the warriors losing by 9 wickets in Johannesburg. The second encounter was a washout in East London in the 18th over after Marco Marais had scored 82* of only 33 balls.
Players to watch
Ryan Rickleton- Rickleton occupies second on the charts for the most runs in the season behind Thenius de Bruyn of the knocked out Titans side. He has provided a solid platform for the Lions at the start of the innings and scores his runs quickly. If he gets going he will be key in the final.
FIFTY UP! | RASSIE
Proteas batter Rassie van der Dussen has added half a ton to the total as he steers the @LionsCricketSA chase at Newlands.
Lions need 21 from 36 balls #CSAT20Challenge #COBvLIO pic.twitter.com/8s9mIhUDsh
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 26, 2019
Rassie Van der Dussen – Van der Dussen was player of the match in the semis with 69 not out. He paces his innings well and accelerates when the situation requires.
Matthew Breetzke – Another opening batsman on the list. Breetzke has been solid up front for Warriors who have not enjoyed good fortunes with their middle order. A good performance by him tomorrow can allow the middle order to play freely with the options of the big-hitting Marco Marais.
Expected Squads
Lions:
Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickleton(wk), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie Van der Dussen, Wiaan Mulder, Dwaine Pretorius, Nono Pongolo, Bjorn Fortuin, Aaron Phangiso, Migael Pretorius, Lizaad Williams
Warriors:
Jon Jon Smuts(c), Gihahn Cloete, Matthew Breetzke, Sinethemba Qeshile, Marco Marais, Lesiba Ngoepe, Onke Nyaku, Sisanda Magala, Lutho Sipamla, Andrew Birch, Jade De Klerk
The Lions will be looking for a second trophy in a season after winning the 4 Day Domestic Cup. The match starts at 14h30 SAST.
