Mzansi Super League 2018: All you need to know about Durban Heat 

The Mzansi Super League (MSL) is a forthcoming Twenty20 league which is to be held in South Africa. The inaugural edition of the tournament will be played from November 16 to December 16, 2018. Durban Heat is one of the franchises which has the ability to put strong performances in the upcoming T20 league.

During the player draft, Durban Heat used their right to the first pick of international marquee players to pick the young sensation from Afghanistan, Rashid Khan over Chris Gayle and other international stars. Earlier in the draft, Durban Heat opted to add Hashim Amla as their marquee player and acquired hard-hitters like David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen.

Hashim Amla is one of the few players who could play all the three formats according to the situation. Though he is an important member of South Africa's Test team, he has an excellent record in the shortest version of the game. In IPL 2017, he plundered 420 runs in 10 innings including two centuries for Kings XI Punjab.

The team management added more strength to the team by adding Albie Morkel, Temba Bavuma, Vernon Philander, Morne van Wyk, and Keshav Maharaj. They have opted to add two Kolpak players - Marchant de Lange and Kyle Abbott. To add more strength in their bowling line-up, they opted to sign Afghanistan's Rashid Khan and Zimbabwe's Brandon Mavuta.

Hashim Amla will play for Durban Heat

Squad:

Hashim Amla, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo, Albie Morkel, Marchant de Lange, Vernon Philander, Brandon Mavuta, Temba Bavuma, Morné van Wyk, Okuhle Cele, Sarel Erwee, Tladi Bokako.

Captain:

Durban Heat has appointed Albie Morkel as their captain for the upcoming edition of MSL. He is one of the successful cricketers who has played T20s across the world.

Durban Heat signed Rashid Khan for MSL 2018

Coach:

Heat have appointed Grant Morgan as a coach for the first edition of MSL. He has coached various teams like South Africa U19, Royal Challengers Bangalore and many more. He has a big role to play in the upcoming T20 league.

Home ground:

Durban Heat will play their home games at Kingsmead, Durban. The green track has become a friendly pitch to spinners and batsmen. So, the young all-rounder from Afghanistan, Rashid Khan can trouble the opponents during the inaugural edition of MSL.

Players to watch out for:

The destructive left-handed batsman, David Miller has to score some runs for Durban to attain his form ahead of the next World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in England. The young sensation from Afghanistan, Rashid Khan is one of the key players for Durban Heat. Rashid can score quick runs, pick wickets at regular intervals and is an amazing fielder too. The 25-year-old pacer from Eastern Cape, Tladi Bokako, who currently plays for Cape Town, is one of the hottest properties in the league.

David Miller will play for Durban Heat in MSL 2018

Fixtures:

18 Nov - Durban Heat v Cape Town Blitz at Kingsmead, Durban

21 Nov - Durban Heat v Tshwane Spartans at Kingsmead, Durban

23 Nov - Nelson Mandela Giants v Durban Heat at St George’s, Port Elizabeth

28 Nov - Durban Heat v Paarl Rocks at Kingsmead, Durban

30 Nov - Jozi Stars v Durban Heat at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

02 Dec - Paarl Rocks v Durban Heat at Eurolux Boland Park, Paarl

05 Dec - Durban Heat v Nelson Mandela Giants at Kingsmead, Durban

07 Dec - Durban Heat v Jozi Stars at Kingsmead, Durban

09 Dec - Cape Town Blitz v Durban Heat at Newlands, Cape Town

12 Dec - Tshwane Spartans v Durban Heat at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Strengths:

The Heat have a decent bowling lineup which consists of Rashid Khan, Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj, Albie Morkel, and Vernon Philander. With a decent lineup in both batting and bowling, Durban Heat is expected to dominate the inaugural edition of MSL.

Weaknesses:

They have Hashim Amla, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen in their squad but the team lacks a power hitting opener who can smash the opponents from the very first ball. This one can affect Heat's chances in the first edition of MSL.