South Africa visit Pakistan for the first time in 13 years and the first test match takes place in Karachi starting Tuesday morning South African time. We take a look at the match from a betting angle.
Pakistan are coming off a disappointing Test Series in New Zealand where they lost both matches and were totally outplayed. The Pakistan selectors have swung the axe and there are no fewer than 9 uncapped player’s names for the series. Big news for Pakistan is the return of Babar Azam and he could be just the spark the home team needs.
The Proteas beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in a home series at the end of December/start of this year, but they are well aware that sub-continent tests will be totally different. South Africa have had the best of Pakistan in recent test matches, but because they haven't played in Pakistan for so long it is difficult to read too much into that form.
1st Test Betting – click here to bet
Pakistan 11/10
Draw 4/1
South Africa 17/10
SUGGESTED BET: Top Home Batsman, Kamran Ghulam at 6/1
Ghulam has been in prolific run scoring in the local competition and that familiarity of conditions could count him in good stead assuming he gets the chance here.
SUGGESTED BET: Top Away Batsman, Faf du Plessis at 3/1
Faf is one of the few players in the team with any experience in Pakistan, all be it he hasn’t played a test here. He looked good in the home series against Sri Lanka and is a worthy favourite in this market.
SUGGESTED BET: Top Home Bowler, 1st Innings, Afridi at 28/10
I rate Afridi highly and I expect him to trouble the South African top order and if necessary be on hand to wrap up the tail.
If pressed I would back Pakistan to win this match as I feel that South Africa were flattered by a very poor Sri Lankan team, for now though I am happy to stick with my exotic selections above.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
