SA20| JSK vs SEC: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs and Prediction

Sunrisers Eastern Cape (Source: Twitter)

Joburg Super Kings will host Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the 27th game of the ongoing SA20 League 2023. In their previous meeting, Super Kings emerged victorious and that shall boost the confidence of the Faf du Plessis-led team.

After struggling to find the right combinations early in the season, the Yellow brigade has finally found a way to win games consistently. JSK have lost only one of their last five matches across this tournament. With 18 points in eight matches, the Super Kings sit fourth in the points table. They could've moved up into second place if their game on Friday had not been abandoned. 

Sunrisers have a strong bowling group and their bowlers will certainly challenge Super Kings batters in their home conditions. Joburg Super Kings haven't lost a game at home this season, and it will make them confident heading into an important encounter.

Like the Super Kings, Sunrisers' last match against the Durban Super Giants was a washout. It's been a start-stop kind of tournament for the Sunrisers. Their current form has been poor, having won only two of their last five games. 

Bowling has been their strong suit while their top-order has struggled to give good starts and that's something they would like to improve. The Aiden Markram-led team would love to end the group league stage of the tournament with a win over in-form Super Kings.

Match Details

• Date & Time: February 5, 5:00 PM IST
• Venue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.
• Live Telecast & Streaming: Sports18 and JioCinema

Pitch Report: Historically, the Wanderers Stadium has been a higher-scoring venue with this average score being 170 in the first innings. The ball comes nicely onto the bat in both innings. Fast bowlers do get some purchase off the wicket, especially early in the innings. Bowling first on this wicket is considered to be the right thing to do as the chasing team gets more support here. The team winning the toss here shouldn't have any hesitation in opting to bowl first in the game.

Predicted Playing XI

Joburg Super Kings: Faf du Plessis (c), Reeza Hendricks, Leus du Plooy, Sibonelo Makhanya, Matthew Wade (wk), Donavon Ferreira, Romario Shepherd, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Kyle Simmonds, Maheesh Theekshana

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Aiden Markram (c), Adam Rossington (wk), Jordan Hermann, Temba Bavuma, JJ Smuts, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Roelof van der Merwe, Brydon Carse, Ottniel Baartman

Prediction

The high voltage match between the two top sides is expected to go down to the wire. Considering the form of Joburg and their unbeaten record at home, we back Joburg Super Kings to emerge victorious on Sunday.

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