The first of the T20 World Cup semi finals comes from Kolkata on Wednesday where South Africa take on New Zealand.
CAN YOU STOMACH IT? – Semi Final 1
What do Shark supporters and Protea fans have in common; they are sweat tolerant, have nerves of steel and can stomach just about anything life throws at them. Time to find out whether South Africans are in for another sweat or a chirpy smile – it’s knockout time at the Cricket World Cup!
SOUTH AFRICA v NEW ZEALAND, Eden Gardens – Wednesday 04 March
South Africa have been teed up with the perfect opportunity for redemption. Losing finalists in 2024 and so often the nearly men of ICC tournaments – can the Proteas finally bury their demons or will they come back to haunt them the day after, like a dangerous Indian curry…
The Black Caps have played their part in the Protea nightmares. The South Africans came “within the barest of margins (sorry Kwis you deserved that!) of qualifying for the 2015 World Cup Final only to be pipped at the post by a Grant Elliot masterclass.
Neither team has lifted the T20 World Cup title to date, and both will be playing for their second shot at competing for the silverware in a T20 final.
Apart from one of the closest games of T20 cricket ever played against Afghanistan (the nerves were given a good test there), the Proteas have cruised through the tournament unbeaten. On their way they accounted for the big hitting Windies, upset the fancied home team, India and they already picked up a victory over their semi-final opponents, New Zealand, in the Group Stage. The Black Caps on the other hand have slipped up against the Proteas and came up short against England in the Super 8.
Logic dictates that South Africa should rightly be well favoured for this clash. But in the back of my mind the lingering question remains – can the SA form hold firm, or will the Protea fragility raise it’s ugly head like a fart that can’t be trusted?
South Africa Player to Score Most Sixes – R Rickleton @ 6.50 with Pokerbet
Aden Markram will carry a heavy burden and De Kock hasn’t quite been his fluent best this tournament. Rickleton is in good touch and should fancy his chances against most of the bowling options the New Zealanders can throw his way. (Santner spins the ball into his hitting arc and he could enjoy using the pace of Ferguson). The top batsman market is the safer option, but Brevis hasn’t quite hit his straps, and Ryan has showed his appetite for six hitting thus far. I’ll risk it for the biscuit.
New Zealand Top Bowler – GD Phillips @ 10.00 with Pokerbet
This isn’t Colombo so spin should play less of a part, but Phillips is likely to have a few overs at the middle order of South Africa. This middle order consists of 2 left handers in Rickleton and Miller and the ultra-aggressive Brevis who is sure to go big or go home should the office be brought into the attack. I’m backing Phillips to turn some not only the ball, but also some Saffa stomachs.
Total Sixes – Under 18.5 @ 1.83 with Pokerbet
I went the opposite way on Sunday, and the Windies largely did their part with 10 maximums, but we came up short. Unless Brevis goes wild, I can’t see New Zealand and South Africa going that big, I expect some nerves to kick in at times.
Note Pokerbet will add a 20% boost to all bets quoted in the T20 World Cup previews, open your account today
SETTLING THE NERVES
If, like me you just have that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach that between now and next Monday us Protea fans are going to have that Alan Donald stranded at the non-striker’s end feeling then Pokerbet has just the right tummy-settler for you. If you back any of the other three semi-finalists to take the trophy before 15:30 on Wednesday, then they will add 20% to you bet if it wins. (Let’s call it the Gaviscon insurance cover).
Outright prices at Pokerbet:
India @ 2.20
England @ 5.50
New Zealand @ 7.00
*Prices are subject to change
