South Africa vs New Zealand ODI Series Preview
Cricket is never dull when two of the liveliest teams clash as South Africa host New Zealand for the three-match ODI series starting on August 19th.
The last time these two teams met was in the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup where the Black Caps edged out South Africa in a nail-biting encounter. The Kiwis had South Africa-born Grant Elliott to thank for, apart from the rain.
If that match was high stakes and high energy, this series comes as low stakes for both the teams. Important players are missing on both the camps and there won’t be the pressure of a big stage like their last encounter.
South Africa is without JP Duminy and Morne Morkel, who are out on paternity leave while Faf du Plessis could miss out with an injury. The injury to Faf gives an opportunity for Farhaan Behardien to showcase his talent.
Ever since Jacques Kallis hung his boots, the Proteas had struggled to find a solution to their all-rounder problem. The latest to be tried will be David Wiese who showed enough promise in the limited opportunities he got in T20 Internationals.
The Black Caps are missing far many regulars with Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult and Tim Southee missing for varied reasons. This gives a chance for the tour captain Kane Williamson (pictured) to test new resources.
Williamson will have the extra responsibility of holding the batting together. At odds of $3.75 at CrownBet he looks a solid play to be the top Kiwi batsman in the first match.
There was nothing to separate between the two teams in the two T20s preceding this series. The Black Caps are always known to punch above their weight. It would be at their peril if the hosts take them lightly.
There is not much value on Proteas winning the series, but New Zealand are offered at odds of $4.00 at William Hill to win the series which looks value. Expect the series to be hard fought and so a result of 2-1 for the Kiwis offered at odds of $4.50 at William Hill is also worth a bet.
Though there is no significance to the series, but it will make interesting watching to find the new talents emerging from these two nations.
