It's a new tournament, and the sides have roped in quality players. However, the 10-over format is a different ball game compared to T20 cricket. It isn't easy to pick a side at the start of any league to win but let's look at the team composition to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
# Harare Hurricanes
On paper, the Hurricanes would be one of the toughest sides to play against. They have got some of the best players in the shorter format. The batting line-up is highly experienced, and they have got young blood in the bowling attack. They will be one of the sides to watch out for in the tournament.
Squad - Eoin Morgan, Mohamed Nabi, Evin Lewis, Robin Uthappa, Donovon Ferraira, Shahzawaz Dahani, Duan Jansen, Samit Patel, Kevin Kothegoda, Christopher Mpofu, Regis Chakabva, Luke Jonwe, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Mushiwa, Irfan Pathan, Khalid Shah, S Sreesanth
# Johannesburg Buffaloes
The team has found a good balance with many local players, which may be a differentiator as the tournament progresses. Many of their players come fresh out of the T20 Blast and are in good form.
Squad - Mushfiqur Rahim, Odean Smith, Tom Banton, Yusuf Pathan, Will Smeed, Noor Ahmad, Ravi Bopara, Usman Shinwari, Junior Dala, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Wesley Madhevere, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Mohamed Hafeez, Rahul Chopra.
# Durban Qalandars
The Qalandars did miss out on the player auction and didn't have the kind of resources that other sides in the tournament have, which may be a problem for them. Nonetheless, they have opted for young blood in the season and can surprise opponents on their day.
Squad - Asif Ali, Mohammed Amir, George Linde, Hazratullah Zazai, Tim Sifert, Sisanda Magala, Hilton Cartwright, Mirza Thahir Baig, Tayab Abbas, Craig Ervin, Tendai Chatara, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Nick Welch, Andre Fleture
# Bulawayo Braves
The Bulawayo Braves are one of the strongest sides in the tournament. They have a strong bowling attack that will not be easy to score against. Their batting isn't the strongest, but they have players who have proven their skills. With several exciting young cricketers and experienced campaigners, the side will go the distance in this tournament.
Squad - Sikander Raza, Taskin Ahmed, Ashton Turner, Tymal Mills, Thisara Perera, Ben McDermott, Beau Webster, Patrick Dooley, Kobe Herft, Rayen Burl, Timycen Maruma, Joylord Gumbie, Innocent Kaia, Faraz Akram, Mujeeb Ur Rehman
# Cape Town Samp Army
The Cape Town Samp Army will be one of the major contenders for the title. They have good hitters in the line-up and a bowling attack that can cause trouble for the bowlers. With players like Sean Williams, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Chamika Karunaratne in the squad, they will be one of the teams to watch out for this season.
Squad - Sean Williams, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Maheesh Theekshana, Sheldon Cottrel, Karim Janat, Chamika Karunaratne, Peter Hazlogou, Matthew Breetzke, Richard Ngarava, Zhuwao Cephas, Hamilton Masakadza, Tadshwani Marumani, Tinashe Kamunakewe, Parthiv Patel, Mohamed Irfan, Stuart Binny
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