Cricket Prediction | LIONS vs. KZNIN | CSA T20 Challenge 2025 | 12th Match | November 08 – Can any of them Clinch their 1st Win?

LIONS vs. KZNIN Match Analysis

The 12th match of the CSA T20 Challenge 2025 sees the Lions hosting KwaZulu-Natal Inland at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. The game is scheduled to start in the evening session, promising a lively atmosphere under the floodlights.

The Lions have been a strong contender in the CSA T20 Challenge, known for their aggressive batting and disciplined bowling. Rassie van der Dussen and Mitchell Van Buuren anchor the batting lineup with consistency.

KwaZulu-Natal Inland has shown flashes of brilliance but remain inconsistent in the tournament. Captain Michael Erlank leads a young side blending experience with youthful energy. The team will look to improve its finishing abilities to convert close games into victories.

Lions vs. KwaZulu-Natal Inland Team Preview & Squads

Lions

Mitchell Van Buuren, the Lions’ captain, leads with calm authority and a sharp cricketing mind. His steady batting approach offers stability in the top order and sets the tone for the rest of the lineup.

The LIONS batting lineup boasts experience through Rassie van der Dussen and consistency from wicketkeeper-batter Wandile Makwetu. Onkgomoditse Seletswane’s youthful energy complements their middle order, while Delano Potgieter adds all-round depth.

With Beyers Swanepoel and Siya Plaatjie leading the seam attack, the Lions possess the pace to exploit early morning movement at the Wanderers. Morteza Manack’s spin provides control in longer spells, while Evan Jones and Delano Potgieter bring versatility.

In their last outing against Boland (7th Match, Johannesburg, Nov 02, 2025), the LIONS fell short in a low-scoring T20 clash. Boland posted 138, and despite a fighting effort, the Lions managed only 130/6 in 20 overs, losing by 8 runs. Their top order failed to capitalize on starts, while the middle order couldn’t finish strongly.

Lions Squad

Lions Squad

Wandile Makwetu (wk), Onkgomoditse Seletswane, Rassie van der Dussen, Mitchell Van Buuren (c), Khaya Fakude, Delano Potgieter, Evan Jones, Beyers Swanepoel, Morteza Manack, Siya Plaatjie, Rafeeq Patel.

KwaZulu-Natal Inland

Michael Erlank, a seasoned campaigner, leads KZNIN with experience and composure. Known for his reliability in the top order, he also brings tactical acumen to a relatively young side.

The Inland batting unit is spearheaded by Cameron Shekleton and Andile Mokgakane, both capable of building innings with patience. Middle-order contributors like Sean Gilson and Wayne Parnell provide flexibility in tempo. However, the team often relies too heavily on Erlank to stabilize collapses, a trend they’ll hope to change.

KZNIN bowling is their strength, driven by seamers Daryn Dupavillon and Ziyaad Abrahams, who offer movement and bounce. Wayne Parnell’s experience adds balance, while left-arm spinner Sean Whitehead can exploit fourth-day conditions.

Against the Dolphins (4th Match, Durban, Nov 01, 2025), KZN-Inland showed strong resistance but couldn’t close out the chase. Dolphins piled up 178/5, and despite some promising starts, Inland fell 14 runs short, finishing on 164/7. Their middle order lacked the acceleration needed in key overs. Still, the bowling attack impressed with disciplined spells, especially from Whitehead and Parnell.

KwaZulu-Natal Inland Squad

KwaZulu-Natal Inland Squad

Cameron Dean Shekleton, Kagiso Rapulana, Andile Mokgakane, Sean Gilson, Chad Laycock, Michael Erlank (c), Ntando Zuma (wk), Wayne Parnell, Sean Whitehead, Daryn Dupavillon, Ziyaad Abrahams.

LIONS vs. KZNIN Outfield Report

The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

The Wanderers pitch is known for being true and generally favors batsmen, with consistent bounce across the surface. Pacers can extract some movement early on, but the pitch eases out as the game progresses. Spinners might come into play during the middle overs, but the overall scoring is likely to be high.

Johannesburg in November is typically warm with temperatures around 28°C. Light winds are expected, which should not significantly impact play. Evening conditions could favor bowlers slightly as dew sets in towards the latter part of the match.

Historically, the Wanderers has seen T20 scores ranging between 140-210. Chasing sides have managed successful run chases around 170-180, while teams batting first have scored a maximum of 210+. The pitch allows high-scoring matches but favors the side that adapts to early pace and middle-over spin control.

Lions vs. KwaZulu-Natal Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their past five encounters across formats, the Lions have dominated KZN-Inland with four wins and one draw. Historically, the Johannesburg surface and Lions’ superior pace attack have tilted the contest in their favor — though Inland have shown signs of narrowing the gap in recent seasons.

LIONS vs. KZNIN Prediction

According to cricket analysts Lions have a 52% chance of Winning.