Who Will Win South Western Districts vs Eastern Storm 9th ODI 2026 Match Prediction
The much-anticipated South Western Districts vs Eastern Storm prediction for the 9th ODI of the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge Division Two 2026 sets up an intriguing contest at Willowmoore Park, Benoni. Both teams have had mixed starts to the season, making this clash crucial for points-table movement. Cricketwebs provides the best match prediction tips, fantasy insights, and expert analysis for today’s encounter.
Eastern Storm currently sit 3rd on the table with one win and one no result, while South Western Districts are placed 5th with one win and one loss. Interestingly, teams batting first have won four of the last six matches at Willowmoore Park, suggesting that scoreboard pressure could play a significant role. Eastern Storm also hold a 50% win record at this venue over the last two seasons.
However, South Western Districts have dominated the recent head-to-head battle, winning three of the last five List A matches between the two sides. Ruan Terblanche has been in exceptional form, scoring 155 runs in just two matches this season, and will be key to SWD’s chances.
With both teams eager to gain momentum early in the tournament, this encounter promises to be competitive and tactically intense.
Match Details
| Match | SWD vs ESTORM, 9th ODI 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 28th February 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Willowmoore Park Cricket Stadium, Benoni |
| Tournament | CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge Division Two 2026 |
| Broadcaster | Fancode |
Eastern Storm Team Preview
Eastern Storm began their campaign with a no-result against Mpumalanga Rhinos after rain intervened. In that match, they conceded 286/7 before weather stopped play during their chase.
In their second match, Storm delivered a dominant bowling performance against Northern Cape, dismissing them for 114 in 33.3 overs. Andrew Rasemene led the attack with three wickets, while Amaan Khan and Jesse Albanie contributed two wickets each.
The chase was steady rather than explosive. Jurie Snyman top-scored with 38, supported by Christopher Britz (36). Dewan Marais finished the innings calmly.
Captain Grant Thomson will expect more consistency from the batting unit, especially at the top. Ernest Kemm and Snyman need to provide solid starts. The middle order looks stable but lacks big hundreds so far.
Bowling remains their primary strength, particularly in middle overs. If they strike early, they can control the tempo effectively.
Eastern Storm Squad
Ernest Kemm, Jurie Snyman, Christopher Britz, Kabelo Sekhukhune, Dewan Marais, Grant Thomson (c), Brayden Hicks (wk), Andrew Rasemene, Jesse Albanie, Tumelo Simelane, Amaan Khan
South Western Districts Team Preview
South Western Districts started strongly with a seven-wicket win over Northern Cape, successfully chasing 271 thanks to Ruan Terblanche’s 133 and Yaseen Valli’s 75.
However, they faltered in their second match, getting bowled out for 214 against Mpumalanga Rhinos. Heath Richards (54) and Kyle Jacobs (29) provided stability, but the lower order collapsed.
Terblanche remains the standout performer with 155 runs in two matches. Valli’s experience at the top adds stability, while George Van Heerden anchors the middle order.
Bowling-wise, Zack Momberg and Liam Alder have been reliable, picking up key wickets. However, the attack needs more penetration in middle overs to defend totals confidently.
SWD’s batting depth gives them an advantage, but they must convert starts into big scores.
South Western Districts Squad
Yaseen Valli, Ruan Terblanche, Kyle Jacobs, George Van Heerden (c), Pheko Moletsane, Heath Richards, Bennie Hansen (wk), Liam Alder, Zack Momberg, Banele Cele, Sintu Majeza
Probable Playing XI
| South Western Districts | Eastern Storm |
|---|---|
| Yaseen Valli | Ernest Kemm |
| Ruan Terblanche | Jurie Snyman |
| Kyle Jacobs | Christopher Britz |
| George Van Heerden (c) | Kabelo Sekhukhune |
| Pheko Moletsane | Dewan Marais |
| Heath Richards | Grant Thomson (c) |
| Bennie Hansen (wk) | Brayden Hicks (wk) |
| Liam Alder | Andrew Rasemene |
| Zack Momberg | Jesse Albanie |
| Banele Cele | Tumelo Simelane |
| Sintu Majeza | Amaan Khan |
Favourite Team in Today’s Match (Why?)
South Western Districts enter as favorites due to superior batting strength and recent head-to-head dominance. Terblanche’s current form adds confidence, and their top order has shown the ability to chase or set big totals.
Pitch Report
Willowmoore Park traditionally offers a balanced surface. Early seam movement is available for pacers, but once batters settle, scoring becomes easier. The average first-innings total ranges between 240–270. Teams batting first have had more success recently, indicating that setting a target is beneficial.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–27°C |
| Humidity | 55% |
| Rain Chances | 5% |
| Wind | Mild breeze |
Clear skies are expected throughout the afternoon. Weather conditions favor a full 50-over contest without interruptions.
Broadcast Details
The South Western Districts vs Eastern Storm 9th ODI 2026 will be streamed live on Fancode. Fans can follow live scores, commentary, and match highlights via the Fancode app and website.
Toss Prediction
Given the venue trend where batting first has brought success in four of the last six matches, the toss-winning team is likely to bat first. South Western Districts are predicted to win the toss and opt to set a target.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Ruan Terblanche is the most probable top scorer, given his outstanding form this season. Yaseen Valli could also anchor the innings effectively.
For Eastern Storm, Jurie Snyman and Christopher Britz are reliable options.
Among bowlers, Zack Momberg and Liam Alder are expected to lead SWD’s attack, while Andrew Rasemene and Amaan Khan will be key wicket-takers for Eastern Storm.
South Western Districts vs Eastern Storm Winning Chances?
| Team | Winning % | Why | Why Not |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Western Districts | 75% | Strong batting lineup, Terblanche form, head-to-head edge | Recent middle-order collapse |
| Eastern Storm | 25% | Disciplined bowling attack | Inconsistent batting unit |
Score Prediction
- If South Western Districts Bat First: 268+
- If Eastern Storm Bat First: 241+
Match Prediction
South Western Districts appear better balanced with stronger batting depth and current form advantage. If Terblanche delivers again, SWD should control proceedings. Eastern Storm’s bowling can make it competitive, but overall momentum favors SWD.
Final Prediction: South Western Districts Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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