South Africa and India meet at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Saturday in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup and India start as firm favourites to lift the trophy.
Both of these sides go into the final unbeaten with South Africa having won all of their games and India’s only blemish, been out of their control when their match against Canada was abandoned in the group stages.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa topped Group D with 4 wins, all of which were in low scoring games and very tight. In the Super 8’s they were grouped with England, West Indies and the United States and in their final game played what was effectively a quarter-final against the West Indies, winning by 3 wickets on the DLS method.
In their semi-final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground they faced Afghanistan, who won the toss and decided to bat. The South African bowlers were all over them early and bowled them out for 56 with Jansen getting 3 for 16 off 3 overs, a performance which earned him the Man of the Match. Shamsi cleaned up the tail with 3 for 6 off just 1.5 overs and Rabada and Nortje both picked up 2 wickets.
Quinton de Kock went early in the chase, but Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram saw them reach the target with just over 11 overs in hand and 9 wickets to spare and given both of those players had been out of form in this World Cup, the South Africans would have been pleased that they got some time at the crease.
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INDIA
India topped Group A ahead of the United States with 3 wins and that 1 no result. 2 of the 3 victories were convincing, but they had to fight hard for their 6 run victory over Pakistan. They were then grouped with Afghanistan, Australia and Bangladesh where they won all 3 matches, finishing off with a 24 run win over Australia at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Their semi-final was against England at the Providence Stadium in Georgetown where England won the toss and sent India in to bat. India had some nervous moments at the top of the order with Kohli and Pant going early, but Sharma survived a dropped catch to score 57 off 39 balls and led his team to 171 for 7 off their 20 overs. India then restricted England to 103 all out with 3 wickets apiece for Player of the Match, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav and Bumrah once again showed his class with 2 wickets for 12 in his 2.4 overs.
T20 WORLD CUP HISTORY
South Africa have never made the final of a T20 World Cup and India last won this event in 2007.
BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 16/10
India 5/10
VERDICT
India’s only match at this ground in the Tournament was a 47 run win over Afghanistan where they batted first and scored 181 for 8. South Africa have not played at this ground in the Tournament, but it is a wicket that does have some pace and bounce which could suit them.
There is no doubt that beating India is going to be a tough task, but South Africa are packed with players used to playing the Indian spinners in the IPL and with bowlers and batsmen who can swing matches and I am going to back them for an historic win.
BET: South Africa Win 16/10
There are plenty of other betting markets to get involved with and here are a couple of additional plays.
BET: Player of the Match, Kagiso Rabada at 33/2
Rabada has found his form as the Tournament has progressed and if South Africa are to win this one, I have got the feeling that it is going to be on the back of a superb performance from their strike bowler.
If you are looking for a more conservative play, Rabada is 22/10 to be the Top South African Bowler on the day.
BET: Aiden Markram over 19.5 total runs at 17/20
Markram has been a brilliant Captain, but he hasn’t shown great form with the bat, although there have been signs in recent games that this is about to change and I am going to back him to score 20 or more runs in the Final.
BET: India Top Bowler, Axar Patel at 4/1
Axar Patel has been in excellent form, but the South Africans may be forced to go after him and this could open up wicket taking opportunities.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
