Border vs Eastern Storm, CSA 4-Day Division 2, Today Match Prediction 05 December 2024

BOR vs ES Match Prediction & Analysis

The CSA 4-Day Series Division 2 returns to action on Thursday, as Border face off against Eastern Storm in Buffalo Park. With three games under their belt, Border are sitting pretty in fourth spot, but Eastern Storm are facing an uphill battle after back-to-back defeats. Rooted to the foot of the table, Eastern Storm are in dire need of a win to turn their campaign around and get some momentum going.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Border Preview

Border are still searching for their first win of the season, having drawn two and lost one of their three matches so far. This game presents a golden opportunity for them to get their first win on the board.

One man who could play a key role in helping them achieve that is Jason Niemand. The opening batsman has been in good form, racking up 227 runs from 6 innings at a healthy average of 37.83, with a century and a half-century to his name.

The other in-form batsmen are Marco Marais (169 runs in 6 innings at an average of 33.80) and Jerome Bossr (152 in 6 innings at 25.33). 

On the bowling front, Jade de Klerk has been the standout performer, claiming 19 wickets from just 5 innings at an impressive average of 16.15, making him one of the season's top wicket-takers.

Nico van Zyl and Chad Classen have also made notable contributions, taking eight wickets apiece, and are worth keeping an eye on.

Border Predicted Playing XI:

Jason Niemand, Jerome Bossr, Lihle Sizani, Christopher Gleaves (c), Marco Marais, Mncedisi Malika (wk), Jade de Klerk, Thabile Hlatuka, Chad Classen, Mathew Fourie, Nico van Zyl

Eastern Storm Preview

Eastern Storm have had a rocky start to their campaign, losing both their games so far. They are coming off a huge innings and 19 run-loss to KwaZulu-Natal Inland.

Captain Grant Thomson has led from the front, scoring 193 runs in 4 innings at an average of 48.25, including one hundred and one fifty. 

Right behind him are Kabelo Sekhukhune, who has put together 144 runs in 4 innings at 36, and Shaylen Pillay, with 118 runs in 4 innings at 29.50.

The bowling department has been spearheaded by Andrew Rasemene, who has taken 6 wickets from just 3 innings at an average of 41. Tumelo Simelane might leak some runs but he has the knack of picking up wickets.

The Easterns might look to bring back Kyle Landsberg and Martin Khumalo, who had impressed in the first game.

Eastern Storm Predicted Playing XI:

Aron Visser, Christopher Britz, Shaylen Pillay, Kabelo Sekhukhune, Grant Thomson (c), Jason van Dyk, Danie Rossouw (wk), Divan Posthumus/Martin Khumalo, Andrew Rasemene, Amaan Khan/Kyle Landsberg, Tumelo Simelane

Weather Conditions

Buffalo Park in East London usually presents a decent batting surface for the first couple of days, with good pace and carry early on.  However, as the match wears on, expect the pitch to dry out and offer more assistance to spinners. Seamers who can reverse the old ball will also come into play later in the game.

The weather in East London will be windy and cloudy on the first day with some chances of a thunderstorm. The rest of the days will be mostly cloudy with times of sun. 

BOR vs ES Pitch Report

The team batting first will be aiming for a first innings score of around 350+ to put pressure on the opposition. In the first match of the CSA 4-Day Series Division 2 played at Buffalo Park, South Western Districts put on 308 after being asked to bat first by Border. They eventually won that match by 148 runs.

Toss: To Bat

Winning the toss and batting first is often a good strategy at Buffalo Park.