North West vs Lions Prediction: Who Will Win 23rd T20 CSA T20 Challenge Match?
The North West vs Lions prediction for this crucial 23rd T20 clash in the CSA T20 Challenge 2025 is set against the backdrop of two teams struggling for form but desperate to stay alive in the competition. With qualification pressure rising, this contest becomes more than just another league match. Lions, winless after three consecutive defeats, are staring at early elimination unless they mount a strong comeback in Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, North West Dragons, with 6 points from 6 matches, are still in the race but need momentum urgently to avoid sliding into the bottom ranks. This match could very well dictate the direction of both teams’ seasons. The prediction for Lions vs North West leans slightly in favour of the Dragons due to their balanced squad and comparatively better recent performances.
Lions have a strong home record at Wanderers, but their poor NRR, out-of-form top order, and lack of wicket-taking bowlers have made winning difficult. North West also have challenges — mainly inconsistency and a lack of aggressive stroke play — yet their bowling unit and middle-order structure appear more reliable than the Lions’. A tense, hard-fought clash awaits as both teams battle for survival.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | North West vs Lions, 23rd T20 – CSA T20 Challenge 2025 |
| Date | Wednesday, 19 November 2025 |
| Time | 4:30 PM |
| Venue | Old Edwardians Cricket Club A Ground, Johannesburg |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
Lions – Team Preview
Lions enter this encounter under immense pressure after a disastrous start to their campaign. With 0 points from 3 matches, a negative NRR, and a visibly struggling batting unit, the side needs a statement performance. The absence of senior national players such as Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder — currently on Test duties — has exposed their middle-order fragility.
Batting Analysis:
Lions’ batting is their biggest concern. They haven’t crossed 140 in any of their last three matches. The lack of partnerships, inability to rotate strike, and early wickets have disrupted momentum repeatedly. Mitchell van Buuren, arguably their most technically sound batter, is expected to shoulder the responsibility of anchoring the innings. Alongside him, Sibonelo Makhanya must provide solidity at No. 3, while Delano Potgieter and the explosive Shane Dadswell need to supply finishing power.
For Lions to be competitive, their openers must provide a platform. Josh Richards has shown promise but has not converted starts. Pressure mounts on him to deliver a defining innings.
Bowling Analysis:
The Lions’ bowling has been underwhelming, taking only 9 wickets in 3 matches — the lowest among all teams. Though youngster Kwena Maphaka has impressed with new-ball movement, he has lacked consistent support. Malusi Siboto, a reliable performer in domestic cricket, must bring experience and control during middle overs alongside Codi Yusuf.
Their death bowling has lacked bite, and this remains a critical challenge, especially against a side like North West that relies on late-overs acceleration.
Key Players
- Mitchell van Buuren
- Sibonelo Makhanya
- Delano Potgieter
- Kwena Maphaka
North West Dragons – Team Preview
North West have shown glimpses of competitive cricket this season, but inconsistency continues to hold them back. Their record — 1 win, 4 losses, 1 no-result — indicates fluctuating performances. Missing Senuran Muthusamy due to Test commitments is a major blow, weakening their spin department.
Batting Analysis:
North West’s batting has lacked firepower. Their boundary rate is among the lowest in the competition — a sign of their difficulty in accelerating. They rely largely on Lesiba Ngoepe and Wesley Marshall for stability. Both players have looked in form but lack long stays at the crease. Rubin Hermann and Diego Rosier provide support, while younger batters like Raynard van Tonder and Meeka-eel Prince must step up to ease pressure on the top-order.
North West need at least one batter to play a defining innings — something they haven’t achieved this season.
Bowling Analysis:
Bowlers like Duan Jansen have bowled with discipline but need more penetration. Without Muthusamy, the spin options are light, making Caleb Seleka their most important middle-overs bowler. The pace unit of Jansen, Hawken, and Mungroo has been tidy but inconsistent in delivering breakthroughs.
Their recent losses indicate that despite posting defendable totals or creating pressure, they have lacked killer instinct in key phases.
Key Players
- Lesiba Ngoepe
- Wesley Marshall
- Duan Jansen
- Caleb Seleka
Probable Playing XI
Lions
Josh Richards, Mitchell van Buuren, Sibonelo Makhanya, Delano Potgieter, Shane Dadswell, Codi Yusuf, Ayavuya Myoli, Malusi Siboto, Kwena Maphaka, Tshepo Moreki, Kagiso Mohale
North West Dragons
Wesley Marshall, Rubin Hermann, Lesiba Ngoepe, Diego Rosier, Raynard van Tonder, Meeka-eel Prince, Caleb Seleka, Kerwin Mungroo, Duan Jansen, Eldred Hawken, Senzo Mtimkulu
North West vs Lions Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | Rubin Hermann |
| BAT | Mitchell van Buuren, Wesley Marshall, Lesiba Ngoepe |
| ALL | Delano Potgieter (C), Caleb Seleka, Sibonelo Makhanya |
| BOWL | Duan Jansen (VC), Kwena Maphaka, Eldred Hawken, Malusi Siboto |
This fantasy XI is structured to balance form players with all-round ability. Delano Potgieter is selected as captain due to his dual role and finishing potential. Mitchell van Buuren and Wesley Marshall bring stability to the batting lineup, while Lesiba Ngoepe provides a reliable middle-order anchor with an ability to rotate strike. Rubin Hermann takes the wicketkeeper slot based on consistency.
In the all-round department, Sibonelo Makhanya adds utility in middle overs and contributes with part-time spin. Caleb Seleka boosts the attack as the prime spinner for North West.
The bowling unit includes the leading pacers from both teams: Duan Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Eldred Hawken, and Malusi Siboto. Jansen is picked as vice-captain due to his wicket-taking bursts and consistent economy.
Players to Avoid
- Karabo Mogotsi – poor strike rotation and inconsistent
- Ayavuya Myoli – low-impact overs
Favourite Team Today
North West Dragons enter this contest as favourites due to their slightly better stability and ability to defend totals. While Lions hold a stronger historical record, their current form is concerning, with no wins and collapsing batting performances. The Dragons’ bowling unit, led by Duan Jansen and Seleka, has the edge over Lions’ struggling attack. Ngoepe and Marshall’s consistency in the top order gives North West a better platform compared to Lions’ brittle middle order. Overall, Dragons look more balanced and competitive at this stage.
Pitch Report
The Old Edwardians Cricket Ground offers a balanced surface with early seam movement and a slightly slow middle phase. Batting becomes easier after the first six overs. A total of 155–170 is competitive.
Weather Report
Clear skies, 24°C, dry conditions — ideal for cricket.
Broadcast Details
Live Stream: FanCode
Toss Prediction
North West to win the toss and bat first.
Match Prediction
North West’s balance and bowling depth give them the edge.
Prediction: North West Dragons 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.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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