Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the second T20 International between South Africa and England which takes place in Durban on Friday 14th February
SOUTH AFRICA vs ENGLAND 2nd T20I - 14 Feb, Durban @ 18:00
SETTING THE SCENE
Whilst some (surely mostly the fairer sex) look forward to this day with much anticipation and planning there are also a number of us who just can’t wait to see some more cricket – and apparently it looks good that Durban will also be giving us a passionate gift in the form of fair weather for this clash.
We head into the second T20I in exactly the same manner we entered the second test as well as second ODI – with the Proteas having started the series on a high. The Poms will have to bounce back quickly if they are to make a clean sweep in terms of winning all three the series.
The Hosts started with fire as skipper De Kock, in particular found his groove early. Bavuma kept things ticking nicely but there were no dramatic fireworks form the Proteas at the back end. The total should have proved too small especially after some early Roy destruction. But the visitors lost their way in the latter part of their innings on the ever slower and lower Buffalo Park track and Lungi Ngidi finished things off like an absolute pro.
Take our weekend football treble, Spurs to win (at Aston Villa), Sampdoria v Fiorentina over 2.5 goals and Lazio v Inter both teams to score with odds boosted to 8.90
LET’S TALK TACTICS
It will be more of the same in terms of conditions as Kingsmead is surely currently the slowest track in South Africa. Wood, Steyn and Ngidi might bring all their fire, but yet again I reckon this one will be decided by the spinners.
There was some chat pre-game that Jason Roy could make way for Dawid Malan, but that argument will be put to rest for now. There was nothing wrong with the English onslaught against the newer ball and it was only at the end that Morgan was left to fend for himself. The home side had much the same issue as it seemed it was all up to Miller to end with a bang and no one else able to assist. Both teams will have to realise that they need better hitting options at the death.
With the ball no new ball quick enjoyed the occasion, and this could very well be the case again in Durbs. Chris Jordan and Ngidi showed how vital the role of the death bowler is and watching this aspect of the game will be interesting viewing in the two remaining games – can Ngidi consistently delivered what he did in East London?
HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT
Like a stuck record I just can’t move on from the tune of backing the spinners. Durban will suit the guys who can turn the ball and especially the South Africans haven’t looked convincing in handling Rashid.
Roy came good for us in a big way in the previous match but Smuts was a no-show. I expect Stokes to play a bigger role in Durban and he is one of the cleanest strikers in the business. With spin set to play an important role and since I’m expecting the English to come good Rashid is my Man of the Match play.
Best Bets with BETOLIMP:
Batsman to score most sixes – B Stokes @15.00
Top England Batsman – E Morgan @7.50
Top SA Bowler – T Shamsi @6.50
Man of the Match – A Rashid @19.00
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
