Ben Dunk believes that experience will be crucial in the knockout stage of the Mzansi Super League 2.0, writes Ongama Gcwabe.

The MSL is in its final stages with only two games left in the competition. We’ve seen some special performances from all the teams and the standard of cricket has certainly improved from what we saw in the first edition of the tournament.

One thing that has stood out is the importance of having a good balance between experienced players and youngsters.

That’s the one thing the three remaining teams have done well in the player draft and with their injury replacements.

Eric Simmons’ replacement of Farhaan Behardien with Ryan ten Doeschate and Mark Boucher’s replacement the injured Wiaan Mulder with David Wiese are a few examples.

“I think twenty-twenty is an old man’s game and I think the more experience you have the more you stay calm and adapt to conditions,” said Ben Dunk exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

Going into Friday’s play-off between the Bay Giants and the Spartans, it’s going to be another high-octane game that will be played like a semi-final, so experience is key to bringing calmness during high-pressure situations.

“The way that we’ve won some of our games we’ve gotten over the line in really tight situations and situations where probably a lot of people had written us off,” said Dunk.

“I think that has certainly come down to experience.”

St. Georges Park will host the play-offs between Nelson Mandela Bay Giants and Tshwane Spartans at 17:30 local time.

The winner will take on Paarl Rocks in their backyard Boland Park on Monday.