After Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock, there hasn’t been an exciting youngster quite like the left-arm fast bowler Maphaka for the Lions. Photo: BackpagePix
The first game of the Cricket South Africa T20 Challenge will see defending champions the Lions take on last season’s semi-finalists, the Titans, at the Wanderers tonight (6pm start).
Cricket writer Ongama Gcwabe selects six players who will potentially light up the Jukskei derby in Johannesburg...
Kwena Maphaka (Lions)
After Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock, there hasn’t been an exciting youngster quite like the left-arm fast bowler Maphaka. At only 18, he has already opened the bowling at a packed Wankhede Stadium and has played alongside India captain Rohit Sharma in the Mumbai Indians team. The St Stithians matriculant will strap on his boots tonight for the first time at home after making his Proteas debut in the West Indies last month.
🏏 Lions Cricket Fans, It's Time!
— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) September 26, 2024
The opening game is here, and we need YOU!
Get ready to cheer loud and show your team the love they deserve! 🙌 🎉 #ThePrideOfJozi #LionsCricket #SpiritOfChampions #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/4YEm8Cp5M4
Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Titans)
As one of the recent South Africa Under-19 graduates, Pretorius will be a closed book for the Lions. The wicketkeeper-batter is dangerous at the top of the order, and can cause considerable damage in the first power play. However, with the Titans likely to bat him in the middle order tonight, the youngster has the power to be able to adapt to the role.
Mitchell van Buuren (Lions)
Van Buuren went from being a bench warmer in this competition last season because of the availability of Proteas stars such as Temba Bavuma to being named captain this time around. The right-handed batter’s credentials are well known on the domestic circuit, and one can only imagine how determined he is to help his team defend the T20 Challenge trophy this season.
Corbin Bosch (Titans)
In the past couple of years, Bosch has become a handy all-rounder for the Titans and T20 teams around the world. He is easily one of the fastest bowlers in the country, and has a fast-bowler’s attitude to match his pace. Moreover, the 30-year-old has the power game to be able to come in in the lower order and smash bowlers all around the stadium.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Here's the 14 men set to take on the DP World Lions in the #T20Challenge opener tomorrow at the Wanderers 🏟️.
— Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) September 26, 2024
Get your tickets here: https://t.co/tJGwtgLGyh#SkyBlues pic.twitter.com/NnDT3C7QeL
Junaid Dawood (Lions)
The Bullring became a fortress for leg-spinner Nqaba Peter during last season’s T20 Challenge, and given that Dawood has a similar repertoire, it is a no-brainer that he will be one to keep an eye on tonight. He will most likely be an attacking option for his captain during the middle overs, and if he gets his craft right, he will be a nightmare for the visiting Titans.
🔥 Lions Fans, This is It!
— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) September 26, 2024
The opening game is just around the corner, and we need YOU in the stands! 🦁🏏
Your cheers, your passion, your roar all drives us on the field! 🙌
Let’s make it a day to remember! 🎉 #ThePrideOfJozi #LionsCricket #TheSpiritOfChampions #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/zAwq1Kb7ba
Roelof van der Merwe (Titans)
Having made his T20 debut in the 2007/08 season of the Pro 20 competition, Van der Merwe is easily one of the most experienced players in the country. What make the Bulldog a threat tonight is his determination, his precision with ball in hand and his vast knowledge of the conditions at the Wanderers. The 39-year-old will most likely be bowling alongside left-arm orthodox Tsepo Ndwandwa tonight, making up a deadly duo for the Lions batting unit to contend with.