MI Cape Town v Sunrisers Eastern Cape – Preview

The SA20 second edition enters matchday 8 on Tuesday 16 January with MI Cape Town entertaining Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. It would be the first match, MI will play at home in this year’s competition as all the first two games were away. For Sunrisers, it would be the first time also visiting any side. Both teams have not enjoyed the ideal start and would want to turn things around.

Since, the second test between Proteas and India, at the start of January, Newlands Stadium has not seen a cricket match yet. During that test, it grabbed the headlines as the International Cricket Council ( ICC) filed the report rating the pitch as not up to the standard of hosting the games. That comes after the test lasted for 2 days and batsmen struggled to score runs. Now, all eyes will be on it, whether it is suitable to host the T20 match. For MI, will be having an upper edge heading to the clash. In the last two matches, they have gone past 200 on the scoreboard when asked to bat first. Those scores are alarming the side with the strong batting line-up. So far, are yet to be tested when chasing and how to deal with the pressure.

In the opening match, Ryan Rickelton, who is the highest run go-getter in the current campaign with 185 runs, was a star with the bat scoring 87 to take his side to 207 against the Durban Super Giants. Despite MI throwing everything into Super Giants, Heinrich Klaasen was the only man standing in their way with superb batting to inspire his side to victory. Far from disappointed, MI traveled to Joburg Super Kings, and they did the same, posting another 200-plus scoreline with Rassie Van Der Dussen and Rickleton providing a great opening stand. Then bowlers managed to do damage to record a huge 98-run victory to cheer them up. Despite the competition in the early stages, MI has posed as one of the dangerous sides with the bat. Last season, they finished last on the league table, but they are a very motivated side and have proven that. It remains to be seen if will manage to keep the momentum going forward.

Meanwhile, Champions Sunrisers are biting their heads around on how they have started a current season. A washed-out affair against Super Kings followed by a loss at home to Durban Super Giants. They are already playing a chasing game. A win today will pick their smiles up and drive them back to be the force. But a loss will increase the chances of missing out on a semi-finals spot. Or might face a huge mountain to climb to achieve that goal. In the last match, only Tom Abell (65) and Tristan Subbs (55) managed to score half-centuries in their 35-run loss to Super Giants.

Their star man and leader Aiden Markram, failed to convert with the bat. With his experience, he is expected to lead from the front, especially in challenging times when a team is expected to perform. So, there is so much to be addressed if they want to win matches. So is their bowling, it never impressed in the last match leaking runs non-stop even though at dead overs, there was more discipline. It is also hard to judge from the first match as so much can happen over time goes by. Even last season, Sunrisers never enjoyed a best start but won the crucial matches in the end. So, history might repeat itself?

What To Expect

It going to be a not-fast pitch, so it is ideal for the speakers. The weather conditions are expected to be cool for much of the day.

Prediction

Best Bet: MI Cape Town to win at 1.68

Value Bet: Ryan Rickleton to be the top home batter at 4.25