India have the first of two opportunities to win the T20 series against South Africa on Wednesday when the two sides meet in the second match of the three. This one comes from Centurion and after winning the opening game India know a win will secure the series.
South Africa have clearly got their eyes on bigger things to come over the next month or so but they will not want to lose this series so comfortably. If they are to avoid the series defeat then they will need to win this match.
South Africa
I thought the opening T20 was a decent effort all things considered by the Proteas. This is nothing like their strongest line up but to restrict India to a score which was only par was a good effort on a decent batting track. Ultimately in the run chase they ran out of batsmen a little early with injuries and looking ahead biting them hard.
Based on what we saw in that opening match South Africa only need to hold their nerve and pace their innings a little better with the bat. They bowled pretty well in the main maybe with the exception of the opening seven or eight overs but the powerplay overs can go for plenty on a ground like The Wanderers.
India
The Indians were not perfect in the first match of the series but there wasn’t really a time in the match where you sensed they were going to be beaten. Part of that is because of what had gone before in the ODIs and part of it was because South Africa are weakened in this series. Their own team pride will ensure they will want to perform better here.
All eyes will be on the Indian middle to lower order in this match. Their innings stalled somewhat when they started losing wickets in Johannesburg and what looked like being a massive total was restricted to a par one. There are no shortage of players for the five and six position in Indian cricket so this is a big couple of games for those holding them.
Team News
South Africa could call on Christiaan Jonker if they want to extend their batting line up. Aaron Phangiso is another option if they want to bowl with two spinners which is possible based on the ODIs here.
India waited until the series was wrapped up in the ODIs before they made any changes to their side and they are likely to adopt the same approach in this series which means they will be unchanged here.
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Betting
You would think India will wrap up the series in this match. They won both the ODIs that were played in Centurion and look the stronger side but this is T20 and one special innings can have a big impact so they are too short for me.
One bet I do like is for Shikhar Dhawan to score more than 20.5 runs. He has been in excellent form against the white ball on this tour and comes into this match off the back of a well-made and powerful 72 in Johannesburg. He made two 50s and a ton in the ODIs so he is a man in form and this line looks perfectly coverable. I’m happy to take the over here.
I’ll also have a go with Ferhaan Behardien to top score for the home side. This is his home ground so he will know where to target and will now how the wicket plays too. Reeza Hendricks is a big danger in that he is the one they all bat around without him taking many risks but if the Indian new ball attack gets rid of him it could be to the advantage of Behardien at a more than acceptable price.
Tips
WON – Back S.Dhawan – Over 20.5 runs for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Betfair
Back him here:
Back F.Behardien Top South Africa Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 9.00 with LeoVegas
Back him here:
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