ICC Women’s World Cup: Semi Final 1 Betting Tips
It started with the eight best teams of the world fighting for supremacy in the ICC Women’s World Cup. We are now left with the last four teams and the first semi-final will witness the hosts England take on the underdogs South Africa at Bristol on Tuesday, July 18.
England started the tournament as hot favourites and should start this match as one. South Africa on the other hand have been pencilled as one of the teams to watch and haven’t disappointed with their run. Who will be the first to flinch?
Route to the semis
England started on the wrong foot by losing to India in the first match. That may have set some alarm bells going but they went on to win six matches on the trot. That included a handsome win over their semis opponents at the same venue. 12 points from the league stage helped them end topping the table.
South Africa started as heavy underdogs to surprise one of the favourites. Though they reached the semis upstaging New Zealand, the losses to England and Australia highlighted their inadequacies. If the match against the Kiwis was not abandoned, the Proteas may have missed the bus. They picked nine points and finished fourth.
Key players
For England, the key has been their batting with Tammy Beaumont (372 runs), Heather Knight (333) and Natalie Sciver (315) leading the run charts. Sarah Taylor returning from mental illness is a huge bonus too as the experienced batswoman scored vital runs (297). Bowling has been about Knight and Alex Hartley.
The Proteas on the other hand have banked on their strong bowling to reach this far. Skipper Dane van Niekerk (15 wickets) and Marizanne Kapp (12) lead the bowling charts and will once again be key. Also in the line-up are Shabnim Ismail – the fastest woman bowler – and Sune Luus. Batting is all about Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt, the only two consistent scorers this tournament for the Proteas.
Statistics
England hold a 26-7 record against their opponents in 34 matches overall. At home, the record stands 12-4 in 17 matches.
Bristol holds happy memories for England as they are unbeaten in this ground in the tournament beating South Africa, Australia and West Indies.
In the league phase, England defeated South Africa by 68-runs after piling up 373 on the back of massive centuries from Beaumont and Taylor. South Africa did give a scare though, by passing 300.
Picks
England start as favourites and at odds of $1.25 (bet365) do not present great value. The Proteas come at odds of $4.33 (William Hill) but it may be an uphill task for them.
The hosts have been banking on their starts which makes them a good pick to score the highest in the first 15 overs. Odds offered on England are $1.67 (Ladbrokes).
TIP: England to score more in the first 15 overs – $1.67 at Ladbrokes
TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
