Cricket

South Africa vs Australia Prediction: 1st T20I Betting Tips & Odds

The South Africa vs Australia prediction could be an interesting one with the visitors sporting a depleted squad and set to field three debutants. Australia and South Africa are scheduled to face off in a three-match T20I series, starting from August 30th. The opening game of the series will take place at Kingsmead in Durban. Australia are favourites to win the match with the odds of 3/5 (1.60) whereas South Africa have greater odds of 6/5 (2.20).

These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.

  • South Africa vs Australia, 1st T20I
  • August 30, 2023 – 4 PM GMT
  • Kingsmead, Durban

READ: Streak quashes rumours

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Kingsmead is a venue which produces pretty balanced pitches with something for everyone. The average first innings score here from over 80 T20s stands at 152. Expect seamers to get some early assistance.

The weather in Durban is expected to be clear and pleasant on Wednesday evening. There’s no threat of rain with the temperature hovering between 14-18 degree Celsius.

South Africa vs Australia Prediction

Australia lead the head to head record in this rivalry, having won 14 T20 Internationals compared to eight by South Africa. The Aussies have a better bowling attack for this series as well as a stronger batting unit.

Our Prediction: Australia to win this match at 3/5 (1.60).

Top Run-scorer

Aiden Markram has 966 runs in T20I cricket at an average of 40 while striking at 150. You can back him to be the top batter for South Africa at 5/2 (3.50). Mitchell Marsh has been in good form and has a good record in T20 cricket at number three. You can back him to be Australia’s top batter at 3/1 (4.00).

Our Prediction: Aiden Markram to be South Africa’s top run-scorer at 5/2 (3.50).

Top Wicket-taker

Adam Zampa has taken 82 wickets in international T20s at an economy of 6.93. Bet on Zampa to be Australia’s best bowler at 11/4 (3.75). Marco Jansen has 38 wickets in T20 cricket and has the ability to swing the ball. Back him to be the top bowler for South Africa at 4/1 (5.00).

Our Prediction: Adam Zampa to be Australia’s top wicket-taker at 11/4 (3.75).

Man of the Match

Tim David has the ability to make a big impact on the match in a short span. The power-hitter has over 3700 runs in the shorter format at a superb strike rate of 163 while averaging 31. Take a punt on him to be the player of the match at 12/1 (13.00).

Our Prediction: Tim David to be the Man of the Match at 12/1 (13.00) odds.

South Africa vs Australia Preview

It’s all about giving opportunities to young players as Australia and South Africa kick off a busy limited overs schedule. Here’s a look at two teams ahead of the first game on Wednesday.

South Africa

The Proteas hosted West Indies in a three-match series earlier this year, which they ended up losing by 1-2. They registered a record chase of 259 in the second game but lost the decider by seven runs while chasing 221.

The hosts are without several of their top stars, which opens the door for the likes of Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee.

Squad: Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Donovan Ferreira, Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi

Australia

Australia haven’t had any T20 action the previous T20 World Cup hosted at home, where they finished third in their group and failed to reach the knockouts. They will be led by Mitch Marsh in the absence of Pat Cummins.

The visitors are also without most of their top stars, including Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell who suffered injuries recently. Matt Short, Aaron Hardie and Spencer Johnson are set to make their debuts.

Squad: Matt Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

How to Watch South Africa vs Australia T20Is in the UK: Live Streaming & Channel List

For those living in the UK, the series between South Africa and Australia will be shown live on BT Sports exclusively.

  • BT Sports (TV)


Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!