TSK’s opportunity to join the competition for the top two spots

TSK has a chance to get into the race for the top two spots.

The Texas Super Kings face Washington Freedom in a big match. A victory would solidify their position as one of the top contenders to place in the sought-after top two position. All three qualified teams are now focused on that location in order to have that insurance coverage to get to the final.

A defeat for TSK, though, will probably compel them to settle for third place, which would mean no second opportunities in the knockouts. Another defeat for San Francisco Unicorns in the tournament would be what they need to keep going. With all three on the same points, a win against Freedom would take TSK directly to the top of the NRR. From there on, it will be a battle to the finish.

This match will not be simple by any means, however. TSK is facing a team that is currently on an amazing six-game winning streak. Since losing the tournament’s opening game, the defending champions have been on a roll. They recently dealt TSK a morale-destroying defeat by chasing down 221. TSK will attempt to take advantage of the fact that the conditions are unlikely to yield such high scores this time.

When: July 2, 7 p.m. local time (July 3, 4:30 a.m. IST)

Location: Lauderhill, Florida, in the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium’s turf field

What to anticipate: Teams will have to adjust after a couple of high-scoring games in Dallas. The SFU vs Orcas game demonstrated how challenging things may be for batters and how low scores can fall below the 200-point threshold. The weather for the evening seems to be clear, even though there might be some rain at midday.

Team Updates

Texas Super Kings

The squad that defeated MINY in the previous game will probably be maintained by TSK.

Possible XI: Nandre Burger, Zia-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Calvin Savage, Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Ranjane, Marcus Stoinis, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Faf du Plessis(c), Smit Patel(w), Akeal Hosein

Washington Freedom

The introduction of Mark Chapman in place of Jack Edwards would be one potential change to Freedom’s winning lineup.

Possible XI: Ian Holland, Amila Aponso, Saurabh Netravalkar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Obus Pienaar, Glenn Phillips, Jack Edwards/Mark Chapman, Glenn Maxwell(c), Andries Gous(w), Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Owen