The Stars are still able to go past the Cape Town Blitz at the top of the six-team standings and therefore secure a home final in the Mzansi Super League, but that means they must beat the Rocks. The Paarl team, meanwhile, need to shake off shell shock in recovering from Quinton de Kock’s blitz on Friday. 

Jozi Stars

The Stars pretty much came from nowhere to beat the Durban Heat on Friday, when Marchant de Lange’s day went from bad to worse. Dane Vilas and Nono Pongolo epitomised the spirit that has seen the Johannesburg franchise move past a poor start to their campaign.

They are now jostling for position among the title favourites, but need to put the unpredictable Rocks away first. From Chris Gayle and Reeza Hendricks to Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier – they certainly have the firepower to do so. Playing at the Wanderers, of course, will suit their chances.

Paarl Rocks

The Rocks got a lot wrong against the Blitz earlier this week, wasting a promising start with the bat and then absolutely imploding with the ball at the hands of De Kock. They bowled too much spin – and couldn’t gets results from seamer David Wiese and Tshepo Moreki. This all needs to change – and soon.

Faf du Plessis is a tough taskmaster, and rightly so will insist on a prompt turnaround. West Indian Dwayne Bravo, in particular, needs to deliver on his star quality. He’s getting a bit of a free ride at the expense of a local talent at the moment. Cameron Delport, well, he’s a real gem – and opportunity knocks to catch the eye of Indian Premier League scouts with the 2019 player auction just around the corner.

Prediction

For the sake of the competition the Rocks will hopefully win, but head over heart suggests the Stars will get over the line here – and see the Blitz and the Giants in the next round.

Photo: Gallo