Two of the most exciting short-form cricket teams battle on Saturday when South Africa heads to West Indies.
The Windies have won two of its last three T20 games and it’s the other end of the scale for South Africa, which has struggled in recent times.
South Africa has won only one of its last five games, which came against Pakistan in April.
The online sportsbook has West Indies as slight favorites in what should be a power-packed game.
Windies Turn Form Around
West Indies didn’t fire a shot in two games against New Zealand in November, but it has since rebounded with two wins over Sri Lanka.
The most recent win was a nail-biter, which came down to the wire. It had to chase a moderate total of 131 set by Sri Lanka and it did so in 19 innings. There was no standout player for West Indies, with four players scoring in the 20s and no better.
The explosive Chris Gayle had only 13 runs from 20 balls in what was a tough batting wicket. They will need to be better against South Africa, especially after scoring just 117 runs in the second game of that series.
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However, it relied on its bowling attack to beat South Africa when they last met. South Africa scored only 122 runs, which showed discipline bowling from the Windies, which were outsiders to win that game in March.
“We have assembled a very solid squad – with experienced world-class match-winners and some exciting young talented players, ready to explode onto the global stage and do great things for West Indies cricket,” West Indies coach Phil Simmons told First Post.
A quality team has assembled for the West Indies, which includes captain Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Fletcher and Gayle. The latter hasn’t been in his usual stellar form, but he’s still one of the most explosive batters in world cricket.
The bowling lineup consists of a young but talented group. They have been the driving force to their recent success, so they’re preparing nicely towards the T20 World Cup in October.
South Africa Needs Confidence Boost
South Africa was a former powerhouse of world cricket but, despite still being talented, it hasn’t resulted in wins.
It has only two wins from its last 10 games. The wins came against Pakistan, but it also has five losses to Pakistan over the last two months.
Ever since being defeated in five straight T20 matches against England, the Proteas have struggled with confidence. Setting low scoring targets has been the crux of the problem, which was highlighted in the most recent loss to Pakistan.
It set a total of just 144 runs, which was significantly lower than the 203 runs set in the first game. However, despite scoring at 10.15 runs per over, South Africa were unable to hold off Pakistan in what was an incredible run chase.
South Africa took just one wicket and allowed Azam (122) and Rizwan (73 not out) to dominate from the outset. If the Proteas’ bowling attack can’t get wickets, West Indies could have a field day.
“South African cricket is just not set up, it does not have the right leadership. It does not have the right systems, it does not have the right people in place,” former Cricket SA Director Paddy Upton told Sportskeeda. “So, as a result, when it moves down to the team and the performance ends, things are a little bit of a mess.
Cricket betting markets have South Africa at +115, which could be overvaluing a team that is struggling on an historical level.
West Indies vs South Africa Pick
The game is being played in the West Indies, which should give the home team the winning edge.
The Windies’ form hasn’t been stellar, but with two wins from its last three games, there is enough momentum in its favor.
There is no such momentum with South Africa, which is going through some trying times and playing on the road isn’t going to help its chances.
We expect Gayle to find his form with the bat and the West Indies bowling attack to stay true to form.
