The first semi-final of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge takes place on Wednesday afternoon when the all-conquering Titans host the Warriors in a repeat of the 2016 tournament final at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The Titans wrapped up top spot in the table with matches to spare to make it into this semi-final while the Warriors won their last three group fixtures to sneak in the back door.
Titans
Before the tournament had even begun I thought the Titans were the team to beat and they have certainly proven that to be the case. They were unbeaten in their first eight group matches with six wins and a couple of washouts and while they have lost their last two they were rotating to keep everyone fresh so those defeats are almost irrelevant.
It didn’t take a genius to work out that this lot would be hard to beat. They have a batting line up to die for in domestic cricket and the number of options that they have with the ball is silly really. They could comfortably field an entire XI of international players with a perfect mix of touch, power and precision.
Warriors
It took an absolute age for the beaten finalists of 2016 to find their mojo but then their backs were against the wall they came out fighting and one win catapulted into a second and then a third which bodes well for them in this semi-final. Their final group match became a knockout match so they have good preparation for this winner takes all contest.
There is no doubt in my mind that the strength of this Warriors outfit is their batting line up but they should be encouraged by the way they defended a par total against the Cape Cobras to make it into this semi-final. Even when the Cobras were going well they didn’t panic and if someone can go ballistic with the bat they might have a chance here.
Team News
All the big guns have been recalled by Mark Boucher for the Titans with the exception of Dale Steyn who is not in the named squad although these named squads can be taken largely with a pinch of salt. Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, Farhaan Behardien, Henry Davids, Morne Morkel and Chris Morris are just some of the internationals on show for the Titans.
The Warriors have named Wayne Parnell in their squad for this match and he will pep up their bowling attack nicely. Aside from that they are likely to name a similar side to the one which won at the weekend.
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Betting
I think we should get a good semi-final here as long as the rain stays away. The Cape Cobras might disagree but for my money these two are the best two batting sides in the country and as a result of that I’m expecting this one to be high scoring. I won’t bet on the match outcome as I’ve got an outright bet on the Titans which I’m happy to let ride.
I will bet on the sixes though. This is a small ground and the air is thinner here so the ball flies miles. You would expect for a semi-final the wicket will be good to bat on and the power on show with the bat here is incredible. The Titans have the better bowling attack but it can still go around the park. The Warriors one certainly can so I’m expecting more than a dozen sixes in this encounter.
Tips
WON – Back Over 12.5 sixes for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
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