South Africa play Zimbabwe on Monday in what is the second match of a Hobart double header in the T20 World Cup Super 12 stage and we take a look at the game from a betting angle.
South Africa’s last warm-up match against Bangladesh was unfortunately cancelled without a ball been bowled. They had previously looked impressive in beating New Zealand by 9 wickets restricting the Kiwis to 98 all out in just over 17 overs and then chasing the runs down with 9 wickets and 52 balls in hand. Prior to that they were in T20 action in India losing the series 2-1 although they ended that Tour on a high note with a 49 run victory over India in the 3rd T20.
Zimbabwe qualified for the Super 12 section via the group stages. They opened up with a 31 run victory over Ireland having scored an impressive 174 for 7 in their 20 overs. They then played the West Indies going down by 31 runs and getting bowled out for 122 in the 19th over. The match that secured them their spot in the Super 12 was a 5 wicket victory over Scotland and they chased down the 133 required with 5 wickets in hand and 9 balls left.
BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 1/8
Zimbabwe 11/2
Suggested Bet: Zimbabwe Top Bowler, Tendai Chatara at 34/10
Chatara was very impressive in the final group match against Scotland with 2 for 14 in his 4 overs. If he can continue to bowl that sort of discipline there is every chance that he will be amongst the wickets once again.
Suggested Bet: South Africa Top Batsman, Temba Bavuma at 5/1
This might seem a strange selection given Bavuma’s recent batting woes, but I can see a situation where Bavuma doesn’t have to go too hard early and is able to build an innings around which the rest of the South African team will play.
The scenario in question would be Zimbabwe batting first and scoring something like a 140 allowing Bavuma to play himself into form.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change