After the revamped South African T20 was canned for 2017 there were fears that there would be no domestic competition this season but RAM have stepped in to sponsor an extra season of the T20 Challenge so the six franchises will be in action over the shortest format.
The tournament, which begins on Friday, runs for just over five weeks and is set to be the best South African T20 event yet as a space in the international schedule was put aside for the Test stars to play in the new competition. That event’s loss is this one’s gain as the Proteas are all available for it.
Recent Winners
2016 – Titans
2015 – Titans
2014 – Cape Cobras
2013 – Dolphins
2012 – Highveld Lions
2011 – Titans
2010 – Cape Cobras
2009 – Warriors
2008 – Cape Cobras
2007 – Titans
The Format
The six franchises play each other home and away in the first phase of the competition. Once each side have played their 10 round robin matches the top four in the table progress to the semi-finals. First plays fourth and second plays third with the winners going through to the final of the competition next month.
Titans
The defending champions are looking for a third title in a row and with the amount of Proteas stars they have at their disposal it would be a surprise if they don’t get it. AB de Villiers was always a huge man to have back but things got even better for them when Dale Steyn declared himself fit for the tournament. This lot are the side to beat.
Cape Cobras
The second favourites have plenty going for them too. JP Duminy is experienced in T20 leagues around the world while Richard Levi and Rory Kleinveldt have had plenty of success with Northamptonshire. Hashim Amla, Vernon Philander and Temba Bavuma also play for the Cobras so they look a decent outfit too.
Highveld Lions
The third favourites for the tournament are the Highveld Lions. Their home matches are always interesting to watch because they are based in Johannesburg. Aaron Phangiso is their standout player but the likes of Reeza Hendricks and Beuran Hendricks among others makes them potentially dangerous over the course of this tournament.
Knights
The Knights could be the underrated side in the competition. If David Miller continues the form we saw in the T20 against Bangladesh recently then they could take care of anyone. They have a solid enough bowling attack and if their top order can lay platforms for Miller to do his thing then they certainly can’t be ruled out completely.
Dolphins
If overseas players were stealing the show like previous years then the Dolphins would be a lot shorter than this because this is the franchise Kevin Pietersen would represent. He isn’t here though and I wonder how much of a hole that will leave in the side. They have a decent looking bowling attack if they have the runs in them to be competitive.
Warriors
All eyes will be on Colin Ingram for the Warriors. He has shown amazing limited overs form in recent times and is one of the best exponents of the art in South Africa. JJ Smuts, Colin Ackermann and Simon Harmer have made their name around the world and that quartet mixed in with some good domestic talent makes them an interesting side.
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Betting
It is really hard to go against the defending champions in this tournament. Mark Boucher’s men have been excellent since he took over as coach and with the South African international talent they have at their disposal in this tournament it is going to take a fine side to dethrone them.
Anything can happen in knockout 20 over cricket so they can’t be called certainties to win the tournament but I do think they are justifiable favourites. I fancy the Dolphins might put in a decent enough performance but when push comes to shove in the play-offs I wouldn’t want my money to be on anyone other than the Titans.
Tips
WON – Back Titans to win Ram Slam T20 Challenge for a 3/10 stake at 2.75 with Betfred
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