South Africa and Australia have just two matches left before they fly to India for the World T20 and the first of those comes in Johannesburg on Sunday. Although the series outcome is almost a by-product of preparing for the tournament in India, South Africa can win it here with a game to spare after their dramatic win in Durban on Friday.
I don’t think Australia will go into this second match looking to win to level the series as a rule, they will be all about getting things in order for when they land in India but after five defeats on the trot in this format they need to find a win soon else they may be devoid of confidence going into the World Cup.
South Africa were far from flawless in the first game but they must be delighted with how they pulled things back with the ball when they bowled and that their lower order showed they have the batting depth to go places over the next month.
It was a surprise to many that Dale Steyn was left out of the first game but if their coach is to get his way and Steyn plays twice in this series he will have to play here. Kyle Abbott could make way. Hashim Amla and Farhaan Behardien are on the sidelines wanting a place in the side too.
Australia will be the opposite. Having had South Africa on the ropes after the powerplay when they batted and halfway through their bowling innings to let them off in fine style will have disappointed them.
That defeat is likely to cause change. James Faulkner is the obvious man to come into the side but Shane Watson is another who will be looking to force his way in although where he gets into this Australia line up would be another thing entirely.
The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg hosts this match and as England found out last month this is a real South African fortress. After that win South Africa have 11 wins from 15 matches on this ground in 20 over cricket to go along with a 22-8 record in ODIs. Australia have lost all four T20 internationals they have played here.
Usually I wouldn’t get involved in the match betting on this ground because the ground is so tough to defend but South Africa are so dominant here I’m going to have to get involved. They love playing here and know what can and can’t be scored when and that is a big advantage.
You often see visiting sides aim too high score wise here and fall short of anything remotely close to par. That’s exactly what England did last month and I wouldn’t be surprised if Australia do something similar. The fact of the first game still remains. South Africa win in bowling attack comparison and fielding and that is usually a combination which wins matches.
I’m also going to back the sixes here. We saw last month just how easy sixes are to hit on this ground and given that we saw 13 sixes in a mid-scoring match in tough conditions in Durban I’m expecting to see them flow again here in perfect batting conditions.
There were 20 sixes when England faced South Africa on this ground last month and I’m expecting a similar total to be made up in this game so over 15.5 sixes looks a no brainer.
Back South Africa to win 2nd T20 for a 4/10 stake at 1.73 with 888sport
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WON – Back Over 15.5 sixes for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Skybet
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