South Africa takes on New Zealand in the second ICC Champions Trophy semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday and we take a look at both teams run to the final and the betting odds.
Let’s begin with a look at the latest Outright Betting (ahead of the 1st semi-final) where India are 2.25 for the win ahead of Australia at 4.00 with South Africa 4.50 and New Zealand trading at 5.50.
Click here for the Outright Winner Betting
South Africa’s Route to the Playoffs
South Africa finished on top of Group B after being undefeated in the group stages and winning two of their games with the remaining one being abandoned without a ball bowled. Their 2 matches were played at National Bank Stadium.
They started their campaign with a 107-run victory over Afghanistan and unfortunately their second match against Australia was rained out before play begun.
Their third match was played against England where South Africa lost the toss and were sent into field first which played in favour of the Proteas who came out firing. They put England under pressure throughout the innings, taking wickets at regular intervals while restricting them to a low run rate and in the end a total of 179 runs all out was reached.
Wiaan Mulder stole the show with ball in hand, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs in his 7.2 over spell and he was well accompanied by Jansen who took 3 wickets as well.
South Africa then wasted no time with the run chase and despite losing 2 crucial wickets within the first 10 overs, they managed to form some valuable partnerships to get them over the line with 7 wickets remaining and 125 balls left. Rassie van der Dussen scored 72 runs not out off 87 balls.
New Zealand’s Route to the Playoffs
New Zealand finished runners-up to India in Group A after winning two and losing 1 of their group stage clashes.
They started things off with a 60-run triumph over Pakistan at National Bank Stadium and a few days later they beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets with 23 balls remaining at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Their last test of the group stages was against India at Dubai International Stadium where they won the toss and chose to field first, putting India under all kinds of trouble in the early stages after dismissing 3 of their top order batsmen in the first 7 overs. The New Zealand bowling attack failed to keep their foot on the pedal though allowing India to build partnerships and score at a reasonable rate and after 50 overs a total of 249/9 was reached.
Matt Henry dominated the top bowling figures taking 5 wickets for 42 runs in his 8 overs bowled.
The New Zealand batting line-up then struggled to get momentum and they lost the match by 44 runs despite Kane Williamson’s valiant effort of 81 runs off 120 deliveries.
BETTING – click here to bet
South Africa 1.80
New Zealand 2.05
VERDICT
These sides look evenly matches and I expect a close and high scoring game at a ground where the runs have flowed.
New Zealand are hard to beat in big games but I am going to have a patriotic punt on South Africa.
Bet 1: South Africa win at 1.80
Kane Willamson showed his class in a losing effort against India and I expect him to dig in and play the anchor role again whether it is in setting a target or in the chase.
Bet 2: Williamson top New Zealand Bat at 2.95
Marco Jansen continues to play excellent cricket and with his height he has the ability to extract bounce on flatter wickets. I am betting that he picks up at least 2 scalps.
Bet 3: Jansen over 1.5 wickets at 2.00
Note: All prices correct at time of writing but subject to change.
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