Legacy. Glory. Pride. The stakes couldn’t be higher as we gear up for a double-header Highveld Derby against Johannesburg Super Kings.
A high-intensity rivalry that has been an imperative part of South African cricketing history, the Highveld Derby represents the high-octane clash between The Lions from Johannesburg and The Titans from Pretoria.
With the inaugural season of the SA20, this historic derby is set to witness a zeal of new-age vigour when Johannesburg Super Kings and Pretoria Capitals battle it out on the 17th and 18th of January.
Team Forms at a Glance:
“It’s special to start off the tournament well.”
Homeboy Theunis de Bruyn aptly summarised the mood in the camp after our previous match. In the truest spirit of Roar Saam More, we remain the only unbeaten team in SA20 heading into the derby. All our units displayed impeccable tandem in our opening two matches against Sunrisers Eastern Cape which further motivates us to put our best foot forward against the spirited Super Kings.
On the contrary, Johannesburg Super Kings have had a nervy start to their SA20 campaign. Despite beginning their journey with a win, the Faf du Plessis-led team host us in the first leg of the Highveld Derby on the back of two consecutive losses. However, this poses a greater threat as they’ll be playing for survival.
What to Expect:
Captain Parnell’s SIUU-lebrations:
Our skipper Wayne Parnell has led the Pretorian attack from the get-go with his all-round display. Be it with his explosive batting or his wicket-taking abilities, Parny’s performance has ensured that we cross the finish line without much hindrance.
Our Bowlers Against the Experienced JSK Batting:
Johannesburg Super Kings boast of some proven talents in their squad such as skipper Faf du Plessis and in-form Donovan Ferreira. Additionally, they also have big names like Reeza Hendricks and Janneman Malan in their brigade.
Our bowlers have demonstrated their ability to take the game away from the opposition with their skillset. With Anrich Nortje and Adil Rashid at our disposal, along with the likes of Migael Pretorius and Eathan Bosch, we are set to witness a enthraling contest at the Highveld Derby.
An English Special to Open the Pretoria Innings:
Our openers Will Jacks and Phil Salt have been paramount in laying a strong foundation for the rest of our innings in our previous two outings.
Furthermore, they have been ably assisted by the services of homeboy Theunis de Bruyn in the middle overs.
Jimmy Neesham, Shane Dadswell, and Wayne Parnell’s finishing abilities have taken the run rate to the next level.
With these batting powerhouses on our side, we head to Johannesburg with the confidence of tackling the strong JSK bowling line-up starring Alzarri Joseph, Gerard Coetzee, and Aaron Phangiso.
Where to Watch:
We head to Johannesburg for the first leg of the Highveld Derby:
Johannesburg Super Kings vs Pretoria Capitals | 17 Jan | 5:30 PM SAST, The Wanderers
Thereafter, we head back home for the second leg:
Pretoria Capitals vs Johannesburg Super Kings | 18 Jan | 5:30 PM SAST, Centurion
