Cricket Match Prediction | Lions vs Western Province | CSA T20 Challenge 2024 | Match 23 | Oct 16 – Can WPR get a win over LIONS?

LIONS vs WPR Match Analysis

The 23rd match of the CSA T20 Challenge 2024 will take place October 16, 2024, at 10:00 PM in The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg where Lions and Western Province will face each other. 

Lions, who are on a winning streak, show no signs of slowing down. In their last encounter, the Lions dominated with a stunning 132-run victory, posting 213/2 and bowling out Western Province for a mere 81. Wednesday’s game could potentially be another one-sided contest. Lions are brimming with confidence, thanks to players like Reeza Hendricks, Nqabayomzi Peter, and Junaid Dawood.

Western Province will be eager to make up for that previous result and improve their batting display. However, their challenge lies in trying to contain Hendricks, who has been key to both the Lions’ success and is likely to be difficult to stop in this match.

LIONS vs WPR Team Preview & Squads

Lions

Lions are unstoppable at the moment, and despite four of their six batters in Match 17 against Boland only managing single-figure scores, they still secured a six-wicket victory with two balls to spare.

This is due to LIONS’ current ability to field a player who can step up and deliver a game-winning performance when it matters most. Reeza Hendricks, the opener in the last match, was that guy. He finished unbeaten on 72 not out from 50 balls after smashing four sixes and four fours.

After claiming 13 wickets in his previous four games, spinner Junaid Dawood enters this match in outstanding form with the ball in hand. Though Lutho Sipamla’s speed might be a useful weapon at the Wanderers Stadium.

Lions Squads

Lions

Rassie van der Dussen, Richard Seletswane, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka, Junaid Dawood, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin, Connor Esterhuizen, Wandile Makwetu, Zubayr Hamza, Delano Potgieter, Mitchell Van Buuren, Khaya Fakude, Tshepo Moreki, Muhammad Manack, Joshua Richards, Reeza Hendricks, Zack Momberg, and Lutho Sipamla. 

Western Province

Western Province will come into this clash with some confidence, despite suffering their second consecutive defeat, and their third loss in four games, after falling to Dolphins in Match 19. They were competitive with both bat and ball, which should boost their belief ahead of this encounter.

In addition to hitting two fours and the most sixes (3) for WPR, rookie left-hander Jonathan Bird, the opener, scored his first half-century of the tournament in this match. Edward Moore, his teammate in the top order, and Mihlali Mpongwana, who is dependable for scoring swiftly in the middle order, were both in excellent attacking form.

The Dolphins were reduced to 16/2 when Mpongwana took his potent strokes to the field and claimed a wicket with his opening delivery, leaving them chasing 168. They managed to cross the finish line, but Mpongwana was dismissed three times during the match and his speed might pose a serious threat in Johannesburg.

Western Province Squads

Western Province

Aviwe Mgijima, Kyle Simmonds, Jonathan Bird, Beuran Hendricks, Daniel Smith, Mihlali Mpongwana, Gavin Kaplan, Junaid Dawood, Tony de Zorzi, Nandre Burger, Tshepo Moreki, Abdullah Bayoumy, George Linde, Dane Paterson, and Kyle Verreynne.

Lions vs Western Province outfield report

The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

We believe that both teams will be eager to bowl first when they go to the Wanderers Stadium. Wednesday is predicted to bring thunderstorms to the Johannesburg region, while Wednesday night’s weather for this game is predicted to be dry. Batters have always been able to play their shots at the Wanderers Stadium, but pace bowlers can also unleash absolute bombs there.  

LIONS vs WPR Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last four games, both teams won two matches.

Lions vs Western Province Prediction

Cricket analysts predict the Lions have a 66% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.