West Indies' quest to build on good record against South Africa
| Date | August 24, 2024 |
| Time | 12:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad |
| Format | T20i |
| Series | South Africa tour of West Indies, 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Nicholas Pooran has odds of 3.35 to be West Indies' best batsman.
- Reeza Hendricks has odds of 3.85 to be South Africa's best batsman.
- Obed McCoy has odds of 3.55 to be West Indies' best bowler
- Ottneil Baartman has odds of 3.40 to be South Africa's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
The South Africans won the Test Series 1-0, and the contest now moves to a 3-match T20 series where hosts West Indies would take on South Africa in the first game at Trinidad. West Indies, one of the powerhouses of T20 cricketers, hasn't fared well in recent tournaments. They failed to reach the semifinals in the World Cup and shall look to regain their form in this series. They have a 4-1-win record against the South Africans and shall start with higher odds. The South Africans would like to get over the upset of not being World Champions. They have roped in several exciting players into the squad and shall give the hosts a run for their money in this game.
West Indies Preview
Rovman Powell's team will look for an early lead in the three-match series after going down in the Test Series. They lost against South Africa in the World Cup but enjoy a good record against them. The side will start favorites on the cricket betting sites, and Powell would like his team to live up to the expectations.
Shai Hope and Johnson Charles must deliver a good start in this game as the South African pace attack will test them. Nicholas Pooran is enjoying good form this year and will look to build partnerships with Roston Chase and Rovman Powell. Sherfane Rutherford, Fabian Allen, and Akeal Hosein add firepower to this batting lineup.
Akeal Hosein is the strike bowler for this team, and he must pick early wickets, sharing the new ball with Obed McCoy. Gudakesh Motie is enjoying good form, and he will look to bowl tight spells in the middle overs with Roston Chase. The side will expect Romario Shepherd and Fabian Allen to deliver in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for West Indies
Rovman Powell (c), Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Obed McCoy, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shai Hope, Fabian Allen
South Africa Preview
It will be the first T20 game for Aiden Markram's side after their disappointing loss against India in the ICC T20 World Cup. Several players have retired from this format, and some senior players have been rested for this tournament. They have a poor record against the West Indies in recent years and shall start with lower odds on cricket betting apps. Markram would want his team to take inspiration from the Test Series win and look for an early lead.
The team expects a good start from Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton, as these players have a good record in this format. Aiden Markram must lead from the front in the new-look middle order and build partnerships with Rassie van der Dussen and Jason Smith. The team also expects a good show from Tristan Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder in the lower middle order.
The bowling attack must deliver a good start and trouble West Indies' batters. Lungi Ngidi is the most experienced bowler in this squad, and he must pick early wickets with Nandre Burger. Bjorn Fortuin and Ottneil Baartman must keep the scoring under check in the middle overs. Wiaan Mulder and Markram add variety to the attack and must do well.
Expected Starting XI for South Africa
Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith
TOSS: To Bowl First
The side chasing the score has won in the last three games at this venue. This wicket is tough to defend scores as the conditions become better in the second half. There is some assistance for the bowlers at the start of the game. The side winning the toss would like to bowl first on this track.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
The skies over Trinidad shall be cloudy, and we may have rain during the game. It isn’t a high-scoring venue, where we have an average first innings score of 161 runs. Batsmen must be watchful on this track. The side batting first shall be happy to have 180 runs on the board in this game.
OUR PREDICTION
The South Africans have had a poor record against West Indies. It is a new-look side for them, with the core of their middle being relatively inexperienced. The middle order must deliver a strong performance in this game for the team to win. West Indies enjoy a good record at home, and the players know the conditions well. According to our cricket betting tips, we expect a close game, but West Indies will have an edge.
Our prediction is for West Indies to win
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