South Africa and England meet in the 3rd ODI in Kimberley on Wednesday and with the Proteas already having wrapped up the Series we expect both teams to make some selection changes.
South Africa won the 1st ODI in Bloemfontein by 27 runs thanks to some excellent bowling in the last 15 overs where England appeared to be cruising to victory.
The 2nd ODI also took place in Bloemfontein on Sunday with South Africa winning the toss and sending the English into bat. There was certainly something in the wicket early and at 33 for 2 in the 7th over the decision to bowl appeared to be justified. Harry Brook with 80 off 75 and Jos Buttler with an unbeaten 94 off 81 were ably supported by Moeen Ali who scored 51 off 45 balls in getting England to what looked an imposing 342 for 7.
Nortje was once again the leading wicket taker with 2 for 64 off his 9 overs and all the other bowlers chipped in with a wicket and Wayne Parnell was the most economical going at 5.4 runs an over.
South Africa began their response in controlled fashion putting on 77 for the first wicket in 12 overs. Captain, Temba Bavuma led from the front scoring 109 at a strike rate of 106 and there were contributions from all of the top and middle order and the Proteas chased down the runs with 5 wickets and 5 balls in hand. Special mention must go to David Miller with another superb finishing job scoring 58 not out off 37 balls.
For the English, Olly Stone got 2 for 48 off his 10 and Adil Rashid also got 2 wickets, but was taken for 72 runs off his 10 overs.
BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 23/20
England 7/10
South Africa have been good to us in the first two ODI’s, but I am reluctant to go in for a third successive time given that this is now a dead rubber and I expect there could some experimentation from both teams. I will instead have a look at some of the Exotic Markets on offer.
Suggested Bet: Top South African Bowler, Sisanda Magala at 28/10
Magala was very impressive in the 1st ODI, but he was sat out of the 2nd one and unless he has an injury I have no doubt that he will start in Kimberley. He is the sort of bowler who can get the ball to swing in any conditions and has shown in the SA T20 Series that he is a wicket taker.
Suggested Bet: England Top Batsman, Harry Brook at 11/4
Brook really impressed me in the 2nd ODI and although he was pipped in this market by Jos Buttler I am expecting him to take plenty of confidence out of that innings and will be on him to be the Top English Batsman in this match.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
