Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the first T20 International between India and South Africa which takes place in Dharamsala on Sunday 15th September
INDIA vs SOUTH AFRICA, 1st T20 Dharamsala – Sunday, 15 Sept @ 15:30
SETTING THE SCENE
South Africa get their first chance to take to the field since a pretty disastrous World Cup campaign a few months ago. Many would have wondered how they would respond to their failings in England as well as also being interested to see how a fresh, new Protea squad would look post World Cup 2019.
Despite having a new coaching staff in place the South Africans still have many familiar faces present in India. Bjorn Fortuin is somewhat surprisingly the only un-capped player in the squad. Temba Bavuma is brought into the shortest format whilst a specialist in the form of Jon-Jon Smuts is also present and looking to make an impression on the international stage after years of bully domestic bowlers. Anrich Nortje is a young tear-away quick who has been billed to take up the mantle of the next big thing so keep an eye on the tall quick.
The hosts have perhaps been a touch more adventurous with their T20 squad in the wake of success in the Caribbean, especially on the bowling front. The likes of Chahal, Kuldeep, Buvi and Bumrah have all been put on ice in favour of relatively fresh faces such as Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Washington Sundar and Rahul Chahar. Kohli, Dhawan and Rohit are still there to lead the charge with the willow.
LET’S TALK TACTICS
It is always tough for a South African team touring India. In this case it is a Protea team without experienced campaigners such as Amla, AB, Faf, Duminy, Steyn, Morkel and Tahir. The batsmen will however be thankful that they don’t have to try and conquer some of the best in the business with India opting for a few experimental selections.
India might have a few green bowlers in their squad but their formidable top three and the explosive Hardik lower down will be licking their lips at having a go at the visitors who appear prone for attacking with relish.
HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT
The Indian batting line-up looks very solid and are likely to lay a very solid platform for the likes of Pant and Hardik to launch big time. An unsettled, new Protea unit will have their hands full on track that will hardly favour their experience and qualities. I’m backing India to clear the ropes on more occasions.
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to identify spin as the main threat to the South African batsmen. Rahul Chahar is the only wrist spinner in the Indian attack and I think he offers some value to not only be the leading wicket taker for the home side but possibly even snatch the Man of the Match performance with a bright effort with his leg-breaks.
Just as India will rely on sin to bamboozle their visitors the Proteas will look to their quicks to try and knock over some crucial wickets for them. Rabada usually leads the attack with fire and passion but a lot of the Indian players will know the risk that KG holds – Nortje is a young gun who they will know less about and I think he is worth backing.
Best Bets with BETOLIMP:
Most match sixes – India @ 1.73
Man of the Match – Rahul Chahar @ 24.00
Top South Africa Bowler – A Nortje @ 4.80
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
