Lions v Dolphins Prediction

The bottom line team of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge, 2013-14, Lions will take over the ex-champions, Dolphins, which will be the opening game for both sides in the current event. Both teams played 10 games each in the previous tournament, the first won mere one, attained nine points whereas the latter grasped 28 from six matches but most importantly won the final against Cape Cobras. Dolphins will try to dominate the Ram Slam T20 Challenge, 2014-15 and Lions will anticipate a better show this time.

Players to watch

The inclusion of Chris Gayle in the side will boost the morale of the Lions batsmen in the event. Quinton de Kock was the second top scorer during the last tournament whereas rest of their batting will revolve around Neil Mckenzie, Gulam Bodi, Alviro Petersen and Chris Morris. The bowling department will be looked after by Aaron Phangiso, Morris, Hardus Viljoen, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thami Tsolekile and Eddie Leie.

Dolphins were unable to win a single match in the recently concluded Champions League Twenty20, 2014-15. David Miller was the highest run getter in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge, 2013-14, Cameron Delport, Morne van Wyk, Cody Chetty, Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Khaya Zondo are their solid batsmen. Dwayne Bravo will make his presence count as an all-rounder while Kyle Abbott, Robbie Frylink, Craig Alexander, Imran Tahir and Keshav Maharaj form their bowling strength.

Time & Venue

Sunday, November 2, 2014 @ 16:00 GMT, 18:00 local at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.

Weather

The game will be played under suitable conditions with the temperatures around 15-28ᵒC.

Toss

The winning captain will go for chase as per their past record.

The Pitch

The batsmen will have to concentrate more since the pitch will be an ideal one for the quickies.

Teams

Lions – Stephen Cook (C), Temba Bavuma, Gulam Bodi, Devon Conway, Quinton de Kock, Chris Gayle, Dominic Hendricks, Eddie Leie, Neil McKenzie, Pumelela Matshikwe, Chris Morris, Brett Pelser, Alviro Petersen, Aaron Phangiso, Shaylen Pillay, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Jean Symes, Thami Tsolekile, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Rassie van der Dussen, Hardus Viljoen.

Dolphins – Morne van Wyk (C), Kyle Abbott, Craig Alexander, Dwayne Bravo, Cody Chetty, Cameron Delport, Daryn Dupavillon, Robbie Frylink, Imran Tahir, Imraan Khan, Ryan McLaren, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Calvin Savage, Daryn Smit, Prenelan Subrayen, Thandi Tshabalala, Jonathan Vandiar, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Divan van Wyk, Khaya Zondo.

Prediction

Dolphins will try to maintain their previous record and will win the match.