South Africa and England conclude their ODI series on Wednesday when the two nations meet for the third and final time when they move from Bloemfontein to Kimberley for a match which remains huge for the home side.
South Africa have actually won this series but this was never about doing that. These three matches were all about picking up as many World Cup Super League points as they could and they have already grabbed 20 with another 10 available here. England are largely just playing out the series here.
South Africa
When the series started there were 30 World Cup Super League points up for grabs. South Africa knew if they grabbed them all then they would all but automatically qualify for the competition later in the year and they are one win away from doing that. The Proteas probably stole a win in the first game but they were always in control of the second one. Their status with regards to the World Cup will ensure this is not a dead rubber for the home side.
South Africa have batted excellently in these first two matches and now the task at hand is to carry that form over to Kimberley. It has been the area of their team which has been less consistent than what they would like. In the main they have bowled well. There were times when England got ahead of them but you have to accept they are a good, powerful side who will do that to anyone. They have stepped up at the key moments which is all you can ask for.
England
The defending ICC World Cup champions England have already qualified for the event in India later in the year but they are in a right slump in this format of the game at the minute. They have lost five on the spin now and while the series in Australia and to a large extent this one is nowhere near the top of their schedule, they won’t want to go into their title defence low on confidence and without a few wins behind them so they could do with coming out on top here.
England have batted well for about 85 overs of this series but the 15 overs they didn’t bat well in the opening game cost them dearly and they just weren’t able to make any inroads on a really good pitch for batting in the second game. It was that bowling attack which people thought might cost them four years ago. It didn’t but it is flattering to deceive again. England could do with a convincing bowling performance to go into future series with.
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Team News
South Africa are expected to rest a number of players with the series won and the squad gets ready to go back to the SA20. Quinton de Kock was likely to miss out after injury in the previous game. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje could be rested.
England have Phil Salt back for this match and he is likely to come in for Ben Duckett. Jofra Archer seems to be on a play one miss one rota at the minute and he is due to play this one. Chris Woakes could be the one to miss out.
Betting
The Diamond Oval is usually a high scoring ground and nothing is expected to change in that regard. This place doesn’t host too much international cricket so when it does they are likely to want to put on a show. The weather has been a bit ropey in this part of the world but it is going to be hot and perfect cricket conditions on Wednesday and I expect a very good pitch to grace these two sides given the intent for entertainment and putting on a show.
We’ve seen two pretty high scoring matches in the series so far and now we are likely to get some bowlers rested for what is to come so in theory the batters are likely to have even more sway. There is no massively competitive edge on the game which should further help the run scoring. The run line for this match is 558.5 which has been covered in both matches so far. Given the extra likelihood for runs in this one I like the over here.
Tips
Back Over 558.5 runs for a 3/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
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