Western Province vs Lions – CSA T20 Challenge Match Preview (21st November 2025)

Match Details

• Date: Friday, 21st November 2025
• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
• Start Time: 10:00 AM GMT | 03:30 PM IST | 12:00 PM Local
• Format: T20
• Tournament: CSA T20 Challenge 2025

Match Context

The CSA T20 Challenge returns to Newlands for what promises to be an exciting clash between Western Province and the Lions. With Western Province in fine form and currently in the top three, they look to continue their momentum, while the Lions, winless in five matches, are searching for a breakthrough.

This match could prove pivotal for both sides in their race for the playoffs, with Western Province holding a strong advantage in recent form and head-to-head stats.

Team Form

Western Province

Western Province have been in red-hot form, winning their last three matches to climb up to third on the table. Their recent victory over the Dolphins was particularly impressive, with bowler Mbulelo Dube dismantling the top order and restricting the opposition to 63/4.

Eddie Moore has been the standout performer with the bat, scoring 105, 41*, and 23 in his last three innings. He also hit seven sixes in a blistering 53-ball 105 against the Titans. Joshua van Heerden has also been in good touch, with 58, 29*, and 43 in his last three knocks.

With a balanced squad and key contributors in all departments, Western Province are in a strong position to take full advantage of the conditions at Newlands.

Lions

The Lions, on the other hand, have struggled this season, losing four of their five matches and sitting eighth on the table. Their only points so far have come from an abandoned match against the Titans.

Despite having some quality players, the Lions have lacked consistency. Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks have formed a decent middle-order partnership, but the top order has struggled to provide support.

Beyers Swanepoel has been the standout bowler for the Lions, taking 4/27, 2/24, 1/33, and 1/55 in his last four matches. Evan Jones has also shown his all-round potential, hitting 54* off 18 balls and picking up two wickets in consecutive games.

Key Players to Watch

Western Province

• Eddie Moore (Batsman): Moore is in sensational form, with the ability to dominate the opposition with his aggressive batting. His 105 against the Titans showcased his T20 prowess.
• Mbulelo Dube (Bowler): Dube has been the standout bowler for Western Province, dismantling the Dolphins with 4/26 and maintaining a tight line and length.
• Joshua van Heerden (Batsman): Van Heerden has been consistent across formats and is a key run-scorer in the middle order.

Lions

• Rassie van der Dussen (Batsman): Van der Dussen has shown glimpses of form with 22, 44, and 66 in his last four innings, but needs to back it up with more consistent performances.
• Beyers Swanepoel (Bowler): The Lions' most reliable bowler, Swanepoel has taken four wickets in his last four games and will be key to containing the opposition’s big hitters.
• Evan Jones (All-rounder): Jones has shown his all-round potential with the bat and ball and could be the difference-maker for the Lions.

Head-to-Head

In their last five meetings, Western Province and the Lions have split their results with a 2-2 draw and one tied match. The Lions won the most recent encounter in a Super Over, but Western Province hold a slight edge in recent form and consistency.

Pitch Report

Newlands is traditionally a batting-friendly track, especially in T20 cricket. It offers good bounce and carries well, making it ideal for explosive batting. However, the surface can assist spinners in the latter stages of an innings, so the team batting second might have an edge if they can control the run rate.

Toss Prediction

With the pitch in good condition and the weather expected to be clear throughout the match, the toss is likely to go in favor of the team choosing to bat first. However, Western Province, with their strong batting lineup, may opt to bat and post a competitive total.

Playing XI Prediction

Western Province:

1. Edward Moore
2. Daniel Smith
3. Joshua van Heerden
4. Beuran Hendricks
5. Mbulelo Dube
6. Bevan Ball
7. Aiden Markram
8. Sisanda Magala
9. Ruan Botha
10. Tim de Leede
11. David Teeger

Lions:

1. Reeza Hendricks
2. Rassie van der Dussen
3. Evan Jones
4. Beyers Swanepoel
5. Tumelo Molefe
6. Sihle Ndwandwe
7. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo
8. Kyle Verreynne
9. Matthew Breetzke
10. Sipho Dlamini
11. Luthando Simelane

Match Prediction

With Western Province in excellent form and the Lions struggling for consistency, the home side are strong favorites to win. If Moore and van Heerden can fire with the bat and Dube can continue his dominant spell with the ball, Western Province should comfortably see off the Lions.

Prediction: Western Province by 10-15 runs.

Conclusion

This match could go a long way in determining the playoff picture in the CSA T20 Challenge. Western Province, with their current momentum and strong squad depth, are in a better position to capitalize on the conditions at Newlands. The Lions, despite having quality players, need to find consistency and support from their top order to make a statement in this game.

All eyes will be on Moore and Dube for Western Province, and on Van der Dussen and Swanepoel for the Lions, as they look to influence the outcome of this crucial match.
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