South Africa and Zimbabwe lock horns in the second of three T20 Internationals on Friday 12 October.
South Africa went on to win the first T20 of the series by 34-runs, but not before a lower order charge by Peter Moor and Brandon Mavuta brought the Zimbabweans within touching distance.
Ottis Gibson will be hoping for a more complete batting performance when the two sides resume hostilities in Potchefstroom on Friday evening.
South Africa vs Zimbabwe | Friday 12 October | Senwes Park, Potchefstroom | 18:00
To Win Match
South Africa 1/12
Tie 35/1
Zimbabwe 15/2
South Africa
South Africa have Imran Tahir and Rassie van der Dussen to thank for their 34-run victory over Zimbabwe on Wednesday. Tahir was particularly impressive as he twice found himself on a hat-trick. This followed just a couple of days after the hat-trick he picked up in third ODI last week to leave Gibson with no doubt as to who his main spin option is heading into the World Cup.
The Proteas will have to do without his services for the remaining two T20 Internationals as the 39-year-old gets a rest. Opportunity beckons for Tabraiz Shamsi who will play in the remaining two matches of the series. The Titans leg-spinner endured a difficult time in the ODIs, conceding 115 runs in 14 overs without a wicket.
Van der Dussen was equally as impressive as Tahir, playing a measured innings by T20 standards, amassing 56 runs from 44 balls. Impressively, the debutant didn’t seem fazed walking out into the middle after just nine balls as Quinton de Kock and Gihahn Cloete both fell cheaply. He’s more than proven himself at franchise level across all three formats and will be no doubt be looking to force his way into the World Cup picture.
There are plenty of changes could see, although I reckon the South African management will want to put out their strongest XI in order to wrap up the series before experimenting. Expect to see the likes of Robbie Frylinck, Dane Paterson and Christiaan Jonker in the third match.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe have been badly let down by their batting on this tour. They averaged 141 runs per innings in the three ODIs and could only muster 126 before being bowled in the first T20. In fact, with a bit more help from a woefully underperforming top order, Zimbabwe could easily have won the first T20.
Peter Moor and Brandon Mavuta did their best to stage a late comeback which saw them put on 53 for the eighth wicket, but they were ultimately left far too much to do after Zimbabwe’s top four could only manage 23 runs between them – 19 of which came from the bat of Brendan Taylor.
Mavuta was once again in the thick of the action with ball in hand, accounting for the wicket of Faf du Plessis while returning an excellent economy rate of 4.75. It was also heartening to see Tahir come back onto the field after the game to give the young Zimbabwean leg-spinner a couple of tips. Chris Mpofu and Kyle Jarvis also got amongst the wickets, with the latter erring a bit on the expensive side.
Looking ahead, Zimbabwe need a more well-rounded effort with the willow if they’re to stand any realistic chance of winning in Potch. A catastrophic top order failure will see them concede the match, and with it the series.
Verdict: South Africa 1/12
Not much value here. South Africa should cruise to victory. Check out the value bet below for a more worthwhile punt.
Value Bet: Under 21.5 runs at the fall of first wicket 83/100
Neither sets of openers were particularly convincing in the opening game in the face of some excellent bowling. We’ll follow that trend and back the first wicket to go down for fewer than 21.5 runs at 83/100.
