This weekend’s top of the table SuperSport Series encounter between the Titans and Cobras has the making of an enthralling affair with both teams not only slugging it out for top spot, but the calibre of players that will feature in this encounter should provide for a quality affair.
Log leaders the Cobras are 8.76 points ahead of the Titans and with the Cape outfit playing at home they should start as marginal favourites.
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for Justin Kemp and his men of late. They were outplayed by the Warriors three weeks ago losing by 139 runs and then in their last outing they failed to beat a resilient Dolphins side after dominating the entire game. On the other hand the Titans are slowly building momentum and the victory against a good Warriors outfit in their last match will give them plenty of confidence against the tumbling Cobras.
It’s been a quiet season for the Titans thus far but this weekend provides Matthew Maynard and his charges with a golden opportunity of not only getting their campaign back on track it will be an opportunity the Titans to go top the log with two games remaining.
After the Warriors victory, the Titans are cock-a-hoop of their chances and there is a sense of belief an real optimism that the men from SuperSport Park are ready to turn the corner.
But the Titans will be without inform all-rounder Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis who played a pivotal all round role in the Titans victory against the Warriors in their last match is out with a niggling injury which he picked up doing duty for the national side in the recently completed one day series against Sri Lanka.
However, the good news for the Titans is that Albie Morkel will be back in a Titans shirt and will feature in Paarl this weekend.
Morkel along with opening batsmen Jacque Rudolph will be key in the Titans success this weekend. Lots will be expected from Rudolph after a fairly disappointing return to Test cricket while Morkel will be looking to continue his good domestic form.
Just like Rudolph and Morkel, Marchant de Lange quick rise to fame will make him equally a star attraction this weekend. De Lange who picked up seven wickets on his international debut will lead the Titans attack along with Morkel while Paul Harris the forgotten man of South African cricket will provide the spinning option.
Cobras: Andrew Puttick, Beuran Hendricks, Charl Langeveldt, Dane Piedt, Dane Vilas, Johann Louw, Justin Kemp (captain), Justin Ontong, Mark Boucher, Mohammed Vallie, Richard Levi, Robin Peterson, Rory Kleinveldt, Stiaan Van Zyl.
Titans: Martin van Jaarsveld (captain), Farhaan Behardien, Tumelo Bodibe, Henry Davids, Marchant de Lange, CJ de Villiers, Paul Harris, Heino Kuhn (wicketkeeper), Albie Morkel, Rowan Richards, Jacques Rudolph, David Wiese.