The South African T20 League takes a break to allow for 3 ODI’s between the Proteas and England and we take a look at the first ODI taking place in Bloemfontein on Friday and suggest a couple of bets.
I have been thoroughly enjoying the T20 League and I am not really sure of what to make of this change of format, but at the end of the day it is International cricket and there are betting opportunities.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s most recent ODI action was late in 2022 when they went down 2-1 in a 3 match ODI Series in India. They won the opening International, but were well beaten in both the 2nd and the 3rd.
Temba Bavuma, who has not been involved in the SA T20 League, will captain the side.
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.
ENGLAND
England are coming off a 3-0 Series defeat in Australia back in November, all 3 of the matches were won comfortably by the hosts with margins of 6 wickets, 72 runs and 222 runs respectively. This may have been that England were suffering a hangover from their World Cup T20 win and they will be keen to show that they are back on track. Jos Buttler, who has been showing some good form in the SA T20 League, captains the side.
England Squad
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Dawid Malan. Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides last met in a 3 match Series in England back in July of last year with the Series drawn 1-1. South Africa won the 1st ODI by 62 runs, England then beat them by 118 runs and rain ensured we never got a Series decider.
South Africa last hosted England in a Series in 2020 and that also finished 1-1 with the middle Test being a no result.
BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 31/20
England 8/15
Suggested Bet: South Africa Win at 31/20
Neither of these sides come into this Series with good ODI form behind them and while there are few players in the SA T20 League I would have liked to have seen in the Proteas Squad, they are putting out a strong team particularly on the bowling front. England have a strong squad, but there are a couple of players such as Jason Roy that are battling for form and I think the home team are the value play here.
Suggested Bet: Top South African Batsman, Heinrich Klaasen at 9/2
It is not clear whether Klaasen will start the match, but I expect that based on current form they would struggle to leave him out. He is looking excellent in the T20 Series and can kick on with a big knock in Bloemfontein.
Suggested Bet: South African Top Bowler, Anrich Nortje at 22/10
Nortje is absolutely storming in at the moment and he is one of those bowlers who is almost always amongst the wickets.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
