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The 19th match of the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge Division Two 2025 will see Border take on Mpumalanga Rhinos at Buffalo Park, East London. Both teams have shown improvement compared to their previous seasons, with Mpumalanga Rhinos riding high on a three-match winning streak and Border looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat in their last game. With both sides eyeing a spot in the top two to qualify for the final, this clash is crucial for their campaign. The weather forecast suggests a possible rain interruption, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest. Who will emerge victorious in this battle for supremacy?
Match Details
| Match | Border vs Mpumalanga Rhinos |
|---|---|
| Tournament | CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge Division Two 2025 |
| Date & Time | 2nd March 2025, 1:30 PM |
| Venue | Buffalo Park, East London |
| Format | One-Day |
Team Previews
Border Preview
Border has shown significant improvement this season compared to their dismal performance in 2023. With two wins from four games and one abandoned match, they currently sit mid-table with 11 points and a positive net run rate (+0.169). Their campaign started strongly with a comprehensive victory against Northern Cape, where Nathan Roux’s unbeaten 116 guided them to chase 219 comfortably. Aphiwe Mnyanda’s bowling brilliance (4/34) and Jerome Bossr’s unbeaten century powered them to another win against Limpopo.
However, their momentum was halted in their last game against KwaZulu-Natal Inland, where they were bowled out for 222 while chasing a revised target of 324. Despite Jerome Bossr’s valiant century, Border suffered an 82-run defeat under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Key players like Bossr, Roux, Mnyanda, and Nico van Zyl will need to step up to overcome Mpumalanga Rhinos.
Border’s batting lineup relies heavily on their top-order batters, while their bowling attack, led by Mnyanda and van Zyl, has been inconsistent. They must address these issues to challenge a confident Mpumalanga Rhinos side.
Mpumalanga Rhinos Preview
Mpumalanga Rhinos have turned their fortunes around this season, winning three of their four matches so far. After a disappointing start with a 95-run loss to KwaZulu-Natal Inland, they bounced back with three consecutive victories. Against South Western Districts, Benjamin van Niekerk’s unbeaten 89 and Themba Maupa’s 4/44 secured a seven-wicket win.
Their next triumph came against defending champions SA Emerging Players, where Yassar Cook’s unbeaten 83 guided them to a comfortable chase. In their last game, Gareth Dukes’ sensational 5/25 restricted Eastern Storm to 203, and Cook’s 67 ensured a rain-affected victory.
Key players like Cook, Dukes, and Maupa have been instrumental in their resurgence. Cook’s consistency with the bat and Dukes’ lethal bowling make them formidable opponents. Captain Muhammed Mayet has also played a pivotal role in marshaling his troops effectively.
With momentum firmly on their side, Mpumalanga Rhinos will look to continue their winning streak and climb to the top of the table. However, they must remain cautious against a Border side eager to redeem themselves after their recent setback.
Favourite Team to Win – Why?
| Reasons | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Momentum | Mpumalanga Rhinos are on a three-match winning streak, boosting their confidence. |
| Strong Bowling Attack | Gareth Dukes and Themba Maupa have been exceptional, providing early breakthroughs. |
| Consistent Batting Lineup | Yassar Cook and Benjamin van Niekerk have delivered consistently under pressure. |
| Recent Form | Mpumalanga Rhinos’ recent performances highlight their readiness for this clash. |
| Border’s Fragile Middle Order | Border’s middle-order collapse in their last game raises concerns about their depth. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Team | Role | Points Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yassar Cook | MMR | Batsman | Very High |
| Jerome Bossr | BOR | Captain/Bat | High |
| Nathan Roux | BOR | Batsman | Medium-High |
| Benjamin van Niekerk | MMR | All-Rounder | High |
| Aphiwe Mnyanda | BOR | Bowler | Very High |
| Gareth Dukes | MMR | Bowler | High |
| Themba Maupa | MMR | Bowler | Medium-High |
| Nico van Zyl | BOR | Spinner | Medium |
| Jason Niemand | BOR | Finisher | Medium |
| Jon Hinrichsen | MMR | Spinner | Medium |
| Chad Classen | BOR | Bowler | Medium |
Explanation:
This fantasy team balances Border’s experience with Mpumalanga Rhinos’ momentum. Key picks include Yassar Cook and Jerome Bossr for their batting exploits, while Gareth Dukes and Aphiwe Mnyanda offer wicket-taking potential. Benjamin van Niekerk adds all-round value.
Suggested Captain and Vice-Captain
- Captain: Yassar Cook (MMR) – In-form batsman capable of anchoring the innings.
- Vice-Captain: Aphiwe Mnyanda (BOR) – Leading wicket-taker with consistent performances.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
- Christopher Gleaves (BOR): Struggled for consistency in recent games.
- Jurie Snyman (MMR): Failed to deliver impactful performances under pressure.
Team Squad and Probable Playing XI
Border Squad:
Jerome Bossr (c), Nathan Roux, Lihle Sizani, Jason Niemand, Mncedisi Malika (wk), Shane Dadswell, Christopher Gleaves, Jade de Klerk, Chad Classen, Aphiwe Mnyanda, Nico van Zyl
Mpumalanga Rhinos Squad:
Zakir Kathrada (wk), Jurie Snyman, Yassar Cook, Muhammed Mayet (c), Benjamin van Niekerk, Nonelela Yikha, Hermann Rolfes, Gareth Dukes, Jon Hinrichsen, Akhulile Mkhatu, Themba Maupa
Probable Playing XIs
| Border Predicted XI | Mpumalanga Rhinos Predicted XI |
|---|---|
| Jerome Bossr (c) | Zakir Kathrada (wk) |
| Nathan Roux | Jurie Snyman |
| Lihle Sizani | Yassar Cook |
| Jason Niemand | Muhammed Mayet (c) |
| Mncedisi Malika (wk) | Benjamin van Niekerk |
| Shane Dadswell | Nonelela Yikha |
| Christopher Gleaves | Hermann Rolfes |
| Jade de Klerk | Gareth Dukes |
| Chad Classen | Jon Hinrichsen |
| Aphiwe Mnyanda | Akhulile Mkhatu |
| Nico van Zyl | Themba Maupa |
Pitch Report
The Buffalo Park pitch is expected to offer assistance to both batters and bowlers. Early swing and seam movement could aid pacers, while spinners may come into play during the middle overs. A total of 250-260 runs would be competitive.
Toss Prediction
Both captains are likely to bowl first , given the historical advantage of chasing totals at this venue.
Winner Prediction
Mpumalanga Rhinos hold a slight edge due to their momentum and consistent performances. However, Border’s fighting spirit ensures a closely contested game.
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