Mzansi Super League 2019, Durban Heat vs Nelson Mandela Bay Giants: 3 in-form players to watch out for

The action-packed cricket continues in the Mzansi Super League 2019 as the weekend matches begin with the Durban Heat taking on the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, South Africa.

Both the sides come into the game on the back of contrasting results in their previous matches. The home side Durban Heat broke their winless streak a couple of days ago when they defeated the Cape Town Blitz by seven wickets. On the other hand, the Bay Giants were humbled by the Paarl Rocks and lost their top spot on the league standings.

The Bay Giants will aim to get back on top of the league whereas the Heat will try to make up ground on the table after having three matches abandoned due to rain and losing two as well. Each and every match is becoming crucial as we make way towards the business end of the competition.

Also see - IND vs WI schedule 2019

We take a look at three in-form players whose performances on the field could prove crucial for their sides' fortunes in the match.

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#3 Ben Dunk (Nelson Mandela Bay Giants)

Ben Dunk's resilience in the middle order is crucial for the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants have been doing well in the Mzansi Super League 2019 courtesy strong all-round performances from their players.

One of the batsmen who has been consistently proving his T20 cricket worth for the Bay Giants is Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Dunk. Dunk has been in fine form over the past four matches for the Bay Giants with an unbeaten fifty against the Jozi Stars in a winning effort. He scored an important knock of 45 runs against the Paarl Rocks to spur the chase on but the effort went in vain as they lost the match.

Ben Dunk's innings in the middle order will be crucial for the Bay Giants regardless whether they bat first or second.

#2 Imran Tahir (Nelson Mandela Bay Giants)

Imran Tahir has been one of the best bowlers in the Mzansi Super League so far

Imran Tahir, the South African international leg break spinner has been one of the most consistently performing bowlers in the Mzansi Super League 2019. He is third on the most wickets chart with a total of 9 wickets with an economy rate of 5.64, the best in the top 10 list of bowlers.

Tahir has kept his stringent line and length bowling going to trouble the batsmen in the league and not allowed any of them to hit him easily. He took two wickets at an economy of 4.75 against the Paarl Rocks giving away just 19 runs and will be aiming to keep his form going as the Bay Giants take on the Durban Heat.

Tahir's spell will be key for the Giants to manage the opposition batting attack that has been in fine touch over the past few matches. The spinner will aim to maintain his economic bowling and line to keep the big hitters away and provide the Bay Giants with four stellar overs.

#1 Dane Vilas (Durban Heat)

Dane Vilas' 75 not out led the Durban Heat to their first win of the Mzansi Super League 2019

The Durban Heat got a much-needed win two days ago against the Cape Town Blitz when the batting lineup produced one of the best chases this year in the Mzansi Super League 2019. This winning effort was orchestrated by the superb knocks by Dane Vilas and Wihan Lubbe with knocks of 75 not out and 49 to chase down the 181 set by the Blitz.

Dane Vilas, the wicketkeeper-batsman for the Durban Heat produced a match-winning knock of 75 runs after the openers had faltered putting their chase in danger. He joined forces with Wihan Lubbe and launched a stellar partnership knocking the ball all across the park as the pair chased down the target with three balls to spare.

Vilas has recovered well after starting out slow in the league and his innovative shot-making ability makes him an everlasting threat against the Bay Giants' bowling attack. He has a healthy strike rate of 143.66 which is vital in the middle order when the team is in dire need of runs to put up a total or chase down a target. His form on the night against the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants will prove to be crucial for the Durban Heat if they are to add another win to their column.