Tuskers vs Northern Cape, 4-Day Franchise Series 2022-23, Today Match Prediction 17 November 2022

tusks vs ncape Match Prediction & Analysis

In a clash where one team has been head and shoulders above the competition, the other, after a very dominant start, lost their way in the second, seems to have all the ingredients of a very exciting clash.

Tuskers would find themselves extremely unlucky not to be going into this game with 2 wins in a row. The game seemed to be in their grasp, as they posted quite a good total but could not defend it. However, they will want to come back roaring into the series with a win, and what better opponent than the unbeaten Northern Cape.

On the other hand, Northern Cape have not only won all their games, but they have done it in the most dominant way possible. In not even one game, it felt that they were lacking behind, not looked like they would be beaten. They go into the games as favorites but will definitely not take Tuskers lightly. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Tuskers Preview

Starting the series in mind-blowing fashion, Tuskers would be very disappointed to have lost the last game. They not only led the majority of the game, but they also posted a very good total which seemed they would defend, given their performance in the second innings. They will look to better that performance and come off with a win. 

The batting department put forth a very strong performance in both innings and even declared in the second. Centuries from batsmen in both innings would make them mighty pleased. Captain Michael Erlank was excellent with the bat, scoring 58 & 121, respectively. But the star of the batting line up of Tian Koekemoer, who scored 123 & 80 and was exceptional with the bat. 

The bowling department, however, blew hot and cold in this match. After bowling out Eastern Cape for 197 in the first innings, they could not defend 326. Stefan Tait was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 5 wickets in the match, but unfortunately, 4 of them came in the 1st innings. 

Key Players:

Michael Erlank, Tian Koekemoer, Stefan Tait, Malcolm Nofal

Tuskers Predicted Playing XI:

Cameron Shekleton (wk), Thamsanga Kumalo, Michael Erlank (c), Tian Koekemoer, Andile Mokgakane, Kurtlyn Mannikam, Keith Dudgeon, Alindile Mhletywa, Dilivio Ridgaard, Stefan Tait, Malcolm Nofal.

Northern Cape Preview

Northern Cape seems they cannot put a foot wrong even if they tried to. Very few teams have been this dominant as the Northern Cape have in this season. Each win has a sense of authority and a feeling of champions. It will be very difficult for teams to challenge this side, by the looks of it. 

The batting department was brilliant as they mounted 408 runs in the first innings, which Eastern Cape struggled to score in 2 innings combined. Kelly Smuts and Grant Thompson scored 81 & 69, respectively, but the star of the show was Rivaldo Moonsamy, who scored 148 runs. 

The bowling department was unplayable as they bowled out Eastern Cape twice to win the game by an innings. Andrew Rasemene was on fire, as he ended up with 9 wickets in the game, out of which 6 came in the second innings. The bowling looks in top form and mighty dominant. Northern Cape would want to continue with this performance and continue their run in the Series.

Key Players:

Andrew Rasemene, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Grant Thomson, Tshepo Ntuli

Northern Cape Predicted Playing XI:

Victor Bafana Mahlangu, Ernest Kemm (c), Jason Oakes, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Grant Thomson, Hanu Viljoen (wk), Kelly Smuts, Romano Terblanche, Johan van Dyk, Andrew Rasemene, Tshepo Ntuli.

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast seems to be perfect for a game of cricket. The maximum and minimum temperatures will be in the 30°C - 16°C range.

Venue Details

The City Oval is located in Pietermaritzburg. The stadium is home to Natal and has a capacity of 12,00. The pitch is a batsman-friendly wicket with a history of staying good through the 4 innings. Batting in the 4th innings is quite a task, but still, teams usually bowl first after winning the toss.

Toss: To Bat

Both teams seem to be quite strong while batting and will want to take advantage of the conditions and pile up the runs. The bowling is also quite strong, and will back themselves to bowl out the opposition.