CWC SouthAfrica150Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the first T20 International between South Africa and Australia which takes place in Johannesburg on Friday 21st February

 

 

 

 

 

SOUTH AFRICA vs AUSTRALIA 1st T20I - 21 Feb, Johannesburg @ 18:00

 

SETTING THE SCENE

 

It is unusual to think that arguably South Africa’s greatest foes on the cricket pitch are in the country yet the build-up has been extremely low-key. It is a sign of the times that this is not your regular full cricket tour – no warm up matches for the Aussies and no red ball cricket whatsoever on this trip. Instead it is a quick six game (three T20I’s and 3 ODI’s) wham-bam-thank-you-mam.

This is not the first short stint assignment for the Aussies this year. In fact they might consider this a rather long trip having recently competed in a fly-by three match ODI series in India. With the T20 World Cup around the corner it is perhaps understandable that the focus is now predominantly on limited over stuff and considering the strength of the two teams involved this should be a cracking white ball extravaganza awaiting SA fans over the next few weeks.

 

LET’S TALK TACTICS

 

This is the first return to SA shores for the dubious duo of David Warner and Steve Smith so both can expect a warm welcome. But having these stalwarts in their ranks makes a huge difference to the Aussies. Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Wade are players that return to the Aussie set-up. Clearly there is nothing wrong with the batting firepower available to the visitors. On the bowling front Starc and Cummins continue to be vital cogs in all three formats whilst Hazlewood finds himself surplus to requirements in the shortest format. The two Richardson lads as well as Sean Abbott are given the chance to transform domestic form into international success.

 

Take our weekend football treble, Burnley to win, Sheffield United v Brighton both teams to score and Fiorentina v AC Milan over 2.5 goals with odds boosted to 9.00

 

HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT

 

The Aussies played their three ODI’s a month ago, which isn’t too long for rustiness to set in, but the South Africans are very much a battle-hardened side at present who have just battle through three tightly contested T20I’s. Australia have had little time to adapt to local conditions and if the hosts are going to win only one match in this entire white-ball series I reckon it would be this first one as they catch the visitors cold.

Pat Cummins arrives back on SA soil as one of the top bowlers in the world. He might not be rated amongst the best of the best in the shortest format of the game but the best red-ball bowler should enjoy the pace and carry which Wanderers has to offer. For mind its between Cummins and Starc and I’ve opted for the class of Cummins. For the Proteas I am welcoming Rabada back with my bucks. KG has had a decent break and should be revved up and ready to stick it to the Aussies. Playing at his home ground I’m expecting SA’s number one quick to come back with a bang.

Heinrich Klaasen only had one taste of action against the English but he made the best of that one shot. Klaasen is a bit hit-and-miss but when he gets in the groove he can strike it big. The Titans skipper is no stranger to playing cricket on these type of Highveld grounds so he could be a runner at a juicy price when it comes to clearing the ropes. Lastly De Kock’s form is just of such a supreme nature that I can’t leave him out of my staking plan. The brand-new skipper would like nothing more than to get one over the old enemy and I expect Quiny to lead from the front.

 

Best Bets with BETOLIMP:

South Africa to win the game @ 2.35

Top Australia Bowler – P Cummins @ 4.00

Top SA Bowler – KG Rabada @ 3.50

Batsman to score most sixes – H Klaasen @ 17.00

Man of the Match – Q de Kock @ 9.00

 

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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

Couch Critic