The last time these two sides met, sparks flew as the match turned into a final ball thriller with the Spartans sneaking through a one-run win much to the agony of Paarl Rocks supporters. The high-scoring edge of the seat humdinger was perhaps the only time the two sides played to their full potential in this tournament. Since then it's been a struggle for the two as they lurk mid-table with no clear direction when they face-off each other one more time.
With three wins in six matches, Paarl Rocks are slightly better than Tshwane Spartans in the table but a loss here would put them in the same boat as the de Villiers-led unit. The Spartans are off the back of a spanking in the hands of table-toppers, Cape Town Blitz, while Paarl Rocks beat last-placed Durban Heat in their last fixture. The true nature of the pitch and a lightning quick outfield should see another high-scoring game.
Conditions: Clear day and a true batting pitch expected.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Gihahn Cloete (8 points)
The Tshwane Spartans wicket-keeper has been in good touch and opening the batting on a true Centurion wicket should multiply his chances of success. The southpaw clears the rope with ease, is a regular boundary hitter and one of the most consistent wicket-keepers in the tournament. This plus the fact that he opens the innings should make him an automatic choice in your fantasy side.
Batsman: AB de Villiers (11 points)
It would be silly
The last time these two sides met, sparks flew as the match turned into a final ball thriller with the Spartans sneaking through a one-run win much to the agony of Paarl Rocks supporters. The high-scoring edge of the seat humdinger was perhaps the only time the two sides played to their full potential in this tournament. Since then it's been a struggle for the two as they lurk mid-table with no clear direction when they face-off each other one more time.
With three wins in six matches, Paarl Rocks are slightly better than Tshwane Spartans in the table but a loss here would put them in the same boat as the de Villiers-led unit. The Spartans are off the back of a spanking in the hands of table-toppers, Cape Town Blitz, while Paarl Rocks beat last-placed Durban Heat in their last fixture. The true nature of the pitch and a lightning quick outfield should see another high-scoring game.
Conditions: Clear day and a true batting pitch expected.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Gihahn Cloete (8 points)
The Tshwane Spartans wicket-keeper has been in good touch and opening the batting on a true Centurion wicket should multiply his chances of success. The southpaw clears the rope with ease, is a regular boundary hitter and one of the most consistent wicket-keepers in the tournament. This plus the fact that he opens the innings should make him an automatic choice in your fantasy side.
Batsman: AB de Villiers (11 points)
It would be silly to ignore the threat that AB de Villiers poses every time he comes on to bat. While he has threatened to go bonkers every time he comes on to bat, it hasn't materialised often this season. Spartans would back their skipper to go for the full bounty and the game against Rocks at his home ground, which should see de Villiers hit his purple patch.
Extra Batsman: Faf du Plessis (10.5 points)
Faf du Plessis found his mojo in the previous match for Paarl Rocks and took them to a much-needed win with a match-winning knock of 76* in 48 balls against Durban Heat. The South African national side skipper was at his flamboyant best and appears to have found his touch before the big game against the Spartans. du Plessis should set Centurion alight on Wednesday after finding his tempo in the competition.
All-rounder: Jeevan Mendis (8.5 points)
The Sri Lankan spinner has been a surprise trump card for the Spartans with his plethora of variations and ability to read match situations smartly. The leggie has a handy googly which has devoured several batsman this tournament and is the top wicket-taker with 13 scalps in 6 matches. He is handy with the bat too and offers a lower order slog-ing option that de Villiers could be tempted to exploit more.
Captain: AB de Villiers
Vice-captain: Jeevan Mendis
