There is just one Super 12 T20 World Cup cricket match taking place on Thursday, but it is a big one with Pakistan and South Africa playing in Sydney in a Group 2 clash. We take a look at the game from a betting angle.
At the time of writing Pakistan sit second from bottom of the table with just 2 points from their opening 3 games. South Africa on the other hand are flying high on 5 points from their 3 matches.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan find themselves with their back to the wall with just 1 win in their opening 3 games. They had been in a winning position in their opener against India before getting beaten on the final ball, but they were then stunned by Zimbabwe losing by 1 run when they failed to chase down 131 for victory.
Their last game was against the Netherlands where the Netherlands won the toss and decided to bat. Pakistan bowlers were all over them restricting them to 91 for 9 off 20 overs. Shadab Khan picked up 3 for 22 in his 4 with Mohammad Wasim picking up 2 for 15 in 3. Pakistan chased the runs down with just over 6 overs to spare with Mohammad Rizwan getting 49 from 39 balls.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s opening game against Zimbabwe turned out to be a no resulter thanks to the rain, but the Proteas came out strongly in their second match beating Bangladesh by 104 runs.
The big game was against India on Sunday and the Proteas attack was in superb form restricting the Indians to 133 for 9 off 20 overs. Lungi Ngidi was superb with his 4 for 29 in 4 overs and Wayne Parnell was also excellent with 3 for 15 in 4 overs. South Africa then knocked off the runs with 5 wickets in hand and two balls remaining thanks to a 59 not out off 46 from David Miller and Aiden Markram scoring a very important 52 off 41 balls.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides have faced each other 21 times in T20 cricket with Pakistan winning 11 and the Proteas 10. Pakistan do have an excellent T20 World Cup record against South Africa though having won all 3 meetings.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Pakistan 27/20
South Africa 4/7
I am going to be pulling for South Africa to win this one and ensure their spot in the semi-finals, but I am too nervous to back them and will stick to some of the Exotic Markets.
Suggested Bet: Babar Azam Total Runs, over 25.5 at 17/20
Babar Azam has been poor in this World Cup so far, but I have seen him play some great knocks against South Africa in shorter formats and I can’t see this great batsman staying quiet for long.
Suggested Bet: South Africa Top Batsman, Aiden Markram at 5/2
Markram had his share of good fortune against India, but overall he looked confident and I think he would have taken a lot from the innings and can build on that with another good score against Pakistan.
I may also have a nibble on Aiden Markram to be the Man of the Match.
Click here for all T20 Match Betting and Outright Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
