The first T20 international between Ireland and South Africa takes place in Dublin on Monday, the first time these teams have met in this format and the Proteas are short price favourites.
The recently concluded ODI series between these sides ended all square at 1-1 (no result possible in the opening match) and we now move into the shortest format. Dublin is the venue for the first match and then next two will be staged in Belfast.
Let's start with a look at the squads.
Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Shane Getkate, William McClintock, Kevin O Brien, George Dockrell, Neil Rock,, Lorcan Tucker,, Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Joshua Little, Benjamin White, Barry McCarthy
South Africa: Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams
Recent Form
Ireland
Ireland haven't played T20 cricket since March 2020 when they lost 2 and tied 1 of 3 matches against Afghanistan (staged in India).
In January 2020 they were in West Indies and they drew a 3 match series 1-1 with 1 no result.
South Africa
Before landing in Ireland the Proteas were in West Indies and they came away with a 3-2 series win against a side much fancied for the forthcoming World T20.
The Proteas hosted Pakistan in April and they lost a 4 matches series 3-1 whilst those teams also met in Pakistan in February and the Proteas were beaten 2-1. Towards the end of 2020 England completed a 3-0 series clean sweep of the Proteas in South Africa.
You can check the weather forecast here
The Betting
Ireland are currently trading at around 4/1 to win the game and South Africa can be backed at around 1/7
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict
Janneman Malan's blistering form in the ODI's suggest he is a big runner in the top SA bat market but rather than take a price of around 5/2 I'll go with him to be Man of the Match.
The Irish top bat market is a very hard call but Harry Tector had his moments in the ODI's and although he may come in down the order I'll have a small play at 7/1
Bets: Janneman Malan Man of the Match at 7/1
Top Ireland Bat Harry Tector at 7/1
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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