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The Joburg Super Kings (JSK) are set to begin their SA20 2024 campaign against rival franchise MI Cape Town (MICT) on Saturday, January 13, in what promises to be an absolute blockbuster of a clash. Faf du Plessis and his men went all the way to the SA20 2023 semifinal only to be undone by eventual champions Sunrisers Easter Cape, thanks to a sensational hundred from Aiden Markram.
MICT, on the other hand, have already lost their opening encounter of SA20 2024 against an incredible one-man show from Heinrich Klaasen. Kieron Pollard and Co. will feel a bit hard done by as the result was eventually declared via DLS method and will want to get their first points on the board against JSK.
On that note, let's take a look at what the combined XI of players from both the SA20 teams would look like:
Top-order: Faf du Plessis, Ryan Rickelton (wk) & Dewald Brevis
JSK captain Faf du Plessis had an outstanding tournament last time, ending up as the second-highest run-scorer with 369 runs from 11 games at a strike rate of 147.60 with a hundred and a couple of half-centuries to his name.
He would slot in really well with southpaw Ryan Rickelton, who has caught the imagination of several fans with his fantastic knock of 87 against the Durban Super Giants (DSG) two days ago. Dewald Brevis would provide the X-factor batting alongside the aforementioned duo in the top order.
Middle-order: Moeen Ali, Kieron Pollard (c), Liam Livingstone & Sam Curran
The middle order packed with overseas all-rounders gives the team brilliant balance in terms of batting depth as well as ample bowling options. Moeen Ali has shown what he is capable of once he gets going and is handy with his off-spin as well.
Kieron Pollard showed glimpses of his absolute best against DSG with a quickfire cameo of 31. Given his history of turning up against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, Pollard would fancy handing the SA20 Super Kings franchise a similar drubbing.
Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran provide real steel to that lower middle order where they can come in and tee-off from the get-go. They also have the knack of picking wickets, which bodes well with the XI.
Bowlers: Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger & Imran Tahir
Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, and Nandre Burger were all in action recently against India in the Test series and would do well together as a pace trio. There are still questions over Coetzee's availability for the opening game, but when fit, provides balance with his raw pace and ability to use the long handle.
Burger's flair coupled with his talent will do wonders and Rabada's presence could just be the ideal foil for the youngster. The evergreen Imran Tahir completes the bowling attack with his wrist-spin.
