A full round of the Momentum One Day Cup will take place on Friday evening with the match between the Lions and Titans in Johannesburg being televised.

The Warriors host the Cobras in Port Elizabeth. It will be a tall order, but Colin Ingram’s men need to find a way to win or they will already be playing catchup after only two matches. In Bloemfontein, the Knights welcome the table-topping Dolphins. The men from the Free State had a disastrous start to their campaign and will be determined to bounce back strongly. The televised game of the round promises to be another high scoring encounter on the Highveld, provided the summer rain stays away.

Players to watch:

Colin Ingram looked in sparkling form during his first outing in the competition on, but when he got out in the 60’s, the momentum shifted and his side eventually fell short. He will be determined to lead from the front and secure a victory on his home ground. The Cobras are a start-studded unit, but the stroke makers need to bat around somebody. Andrew Puttick is the man and he will once again be tasked with anchoring the innings.

It’s difficult to see where the Knights can turn their fortunes around. Reeza Hendricks has the experience of facing some of the best bowlers in the world and he will have to bat deep into the innings to give the hosts a chance. For the Dolphins, Morne van Wyk will be returning the place he has played most of his cricket. He’s in great form and will be looking to prove a point against his former teammates.

The Lions and Titans both have explosive batting lineups, so I feel it will be the bowlers that decide this derby. Lonwabo Tsotsobe has started the campaign really well for the Lions as he attempts to force his way back into the Proteas squad and he should continue to cause problems with his variations. Roelof van der Merwe is a true competitor. He’s someone the captain can always throw the ball to when going gets tough and he should be the best of the Titan’s bowlers on Friday.

Prediction:

The Cobras are a very well balanced side and should run out comfortable victors in Port Elizabeth.

The Knights could cause the odd upset this season, but the Dolphins should be too strong for them on Friday.

In a game which is too close to call, the winner will most probably be the side that chases in Johannesburg. Having said that, the Lions have a better bowling attack and that makes them slight favourites.

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