South Africa v West Indies First T20I: Prediction & Best Bets

The Aiden Markram and Rob Walter era begins tomorrow with the first of three T20Is against the West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Both teams have selected strong squads for this series with both sides looking to put their poor performances at last year’s World Cup behind them. Lwanele Poswayo has a prediction and the best bets for this encounter.

Anrich Nortje

South Africa’s best T20 bowler in the last few seasons, Anrich Nortje, comes into this encounter well-rested and full of confidence. He missed the second Test against the Windies and was rested for the ODI series. Nortje was the joint leading wicket-taker in the inaugural SA20 with his pace proving difficult to deal with for most batsmen.

I see him troubling the Windies’ batters at SuperSport Park. Back him to be SA’s top bowler or him to take over 1.5 wickets.

Nicholas Pooran

Pooran looked good in the ODI series, scoring 39 in both innings before giving his wickets away. The West Indies’ former captain has failed to cross seven in five of his last six T20Is (HS: 13), but has scores of 61, 62, and 61 in his last three T20Is when he’s not been the captain.

Quinton De Kock

I backed Quinton de Kock to be the Proteas’ top batsman in the final ODI but unfortunately, he wasn’t selected. He’ll be eager to get amongst the runs in this game after his quick-fire 48 off 26 balls in the second ODI. Back him to score 50+ runs or to score more than 24.5 runs.

Prediction

The Proteas finished the ODI series on a high, winning the last match by four wickets. They have selected a much stronger squad for this series, so I expect them to dominate this match and the series. Therefore, it’s well worth backing the hosts to secure victory and a series lead here.