Group 2 of the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage concludes on Sunday 23rd June when England take on USA and West Indies clash with South Africa.
It's the final 2 matches of this group which South Africa top with 4 points and a net run rate of +0.625. West Indies are second on 2 points with a net rate of 1.814 and England are also on 2 points with a NRR of 0.412. USA have no points and a NRR of -2.908 and barring a miracle they will be eliminated.
USA and England clash in Antigua in the first of Sunday's matches. England are 0.08/1 to win but they will also be seeking to boost the run rate and in such circumstances I would rather focus on WI v the Proteas.
West Indies v South Africa (Antigua)
West Indies put themselves back in contention with a 9 wicket win over USA in Barbados on Friday. They bowled USA out for 128 with Chase (3/19) the pick of the bowlers. Shai Hope then smashed 82 off 39 balls and WI completed the run chase in just 10.5 overs.
In their first Super 8 match WI lost to England by 8 wickets in St. Lucia. They posted 180/4 with contributions from 5 of their top 6 in the batting order but England made short work of the run chase and got up in 17.3 overs.
The Proteas kept their 100% record in tact with a thrilling 7 run win over England in St. Lucia. They looked on course for a better total than the 163/6 they ended up with as Quinton de Kock (65 off 38) was firing but it was left to Miller (43 off 28) to put up what was probably no better than a par score. At 61/4 England were in trouble but they worked their way into a dominant position with a couple of very expensive Proteas overs. There was another twist to come though and South Africa's death overs were largely excellent. Rabada and Maharaj took 2 wickets and Baartman and Nortje 1 a piece and England's innings closed on 156/6.
South Africa's first Super 8 match came against USA at this venue and they won it by 18 runs. Batting first the Proteas posted 194/4 with de Kock top scoring with 74 and Markram made 46. Klaasen (36) and Stubbs (20) then took South Africa to by far their highest total of the tournament so far. USA made a solid start to the run chase but Rabada with figures of 3/18 helped restrict them to 176/6.
The Betting
West Indies are trading at 17/20 to win this game and South Africa are 9/10 with BoyleSports
Prices subject to change
The Verdict
The Proteas are making a habit of prevailing in tight finishes regardless of the quality of the opposition but they still have work to do and no doubt both sides will be keeping a close eye on how England get on earlier in the day.
West Indies have yet to play in Antigua but I don't see that as an issue and we could be for another nail biter.
I'm with Heinrich Klaasen to hit 3+ sixes at a boosted price
Bet: Heinrich Klaasen to hit 3+ sixes was 9/4 now 3/1 with Sportingbet
More tips are available on this dedicated T20 World Cup thread on our discussion forum
