Cricket
T20 World Cup: South Africa vs New Zealand Preview
The Proteas head into their Group D clash with New Zealand after pulling off a thrilling double Super Over win against Afghanistan.
Both southern hemisphere teams have two wins from two matches, with the Black Caps topping the group courtesy of a super net run rate.
The Proteas are looking to go one better at this year’s tournament after losing in the final two years ago.
There’s a good chance of a high-scoring match in Ahmedabad, with the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch often offering good bounce and stroke-making conditions — ideal for attacking batters.
Players to Watch
From a batting perspective, Ryan Rickelton is South Africa’s top run scorer (av.47) and has been supported by Quinton De Kock and skipper Aiden Markram. Lungi Ngidi has picked up seven wickets in the opening two matches and will be a threat to the Black Caps batters. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj will also be threats with the ball.
New Zealand opener Tim Seifert is in terrific form at the tournament with 154 runs, including an unbeaten 89 in the 10-wicket win over the UAE. Fellow opener Finn Allen is also in good form, and the pair could do damage in the opening few overs.
Betting Tips:
The Proteas are the slight favourites, priced at 1.727 against New Zealand’s 2.10 for the match win. There’s decent value if Seifert and Allen click at the start and punish the South African’s in the first powerplay. Rickelton, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Dewald Brevis offer good value to be South Africa’s top scorers.
If the Proteas bat first, the OVER on their total is a good bet because of the team’s strong batting line-up. It’s going to be a fascinating match-up between Group D’s strongest teams.
Top run-scorer – Quinton de Kock (SA), Tim Seifert (NZ)
Top wicket-taker – Lungi Ngidi (SA), Ish Sodhi (NZ)
Top South African bowler – Ngidi