Cricket Betting: South Africa vs England T20 Series Preview
A rejuvenated South Africa will hope to cash in on their recent form as they prepare to take on England in two T20 Internationals starting on the 19th of February at Newlands, Cape Town. Both teams will be eager to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup in India.
The Proteas were down and out in the ODI series before staging a miraculous comeback to win the series and salvage pride. After losing the Test series, it was a much-needed victory for AB De Villiers and his teammates. Considered as one of the best batsmen in T20 cricket, AB would be hoping for an improved performance.
The presence of AB aside, the batting of South Africa looks more comfortable in the shorter format with Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis solid openers whilst there is no decrease in quality if they lose a few early wickets. The English will need to be careful of the explosive David Miller who is capable of taking over the contest.
The success of the hosts in the ODIs is largely due to the twin all-rounders David Wiese and Chris Morris. They aren’t largely known for their prowess in T20s, which gives the pair opportunities in this series to make a statement leading up to the World Cup. Dale Steyn returns while the latest pace sensation Kagiso Rabada could be rested.
England is no less competitive in this format – especially with the presence of many specialists in their team. Alex Hales proved he is high quality in the ODIs and would be eager for belting more runs. Jason Roy and James Vince could be competing for one slot and Joe Root will be as solid as ever and expecting to make a big impact in this match whilst captain Eoin Morgan will lead from the front.
All-rounders Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali provide England depth with both the ball and bat in hand. South Africa will need to be weary Jos Buttler who could find himself bat up the order to maximize the destruction. With the ball, the variety of Reece Topley and David Willey will be relished as much as the spin of Adil Rashid.
It is difficult to pick out winners in shorter formats especially in an ultra-short series like this. For the hosts, De Kock should continue to pile on the runs and looks a good bet for being their best batsman.
TIP: De Kock @ $4.00 with Ladbrokes
With the ball, we are backing Wiese to spring a surprise and end up as top wicket taker.
TIP: Weise @ $5.00 with Ladbrokes
For the visitors, Hales is a good bet to continue with his run scoring.
TIP: Hales @ $3.75 with Ladbrokes
We are backing Topley to some destruction with the ball and topple the hosts.
TIP: Topley @ $3.75 with Ladbrokes
Even if their focus is on the upcoming World Cup, both sides will be eager not to lose out to their opponents. Will it be England who will finish the series on a high or will it be South Africa who will salvage their season?
