The fourth One Day International (ODI) between South Africa and Australia could be a record-breaking affair in Port Elizabeth. With South Africa posting the second-highest run chase in ODI history on October 5, Russell Domingo’s men will line up on October 9 full of confidence.
Leading the charge and knocking balls for six like they were going out of fashion in the third match was South Africa’s David Miller. Notching up 118 not out, Miller’s efforts not only helped the home side claim victory by four wickets, but it outshone two superb innings by Australia’s David Warner and Steve Smith.
Heading into the fourth match it could be this fact alone that will give South Africa the edge. Despite Warner and Smith both notching up centuries to help the Aussies to a 371-6 total, their best just wasn’t enough to topple a South Africa team on white-hot form. When any team produces a strong performance but still walks away in second place it can be a tough pill to swallow and, if that’s true on October 9, we could see Australia choke again.
The latest cricket betting odds at Ladbrokes has South Africa leading the way at 8/11 with Australia bringing up the rear at 11/10. Over at Sun Bets it’s much of the same, as South Africa is currently topping the odds with a betting line set at 4/6.
From an overall perspective, this match could easily go either way. South Africa might have the psychological and numerical edge, but Australia’s players gave a strong account of themselves in the third showdown. With that being the case, it would be remiss of a canny punter to overlook the 6/5 price Winner Sports has on offer.
Of course, if you really want to unearth some value from this ODI clash, it’s worth looking at the individual player market. As we’ve said, Miller put on a clinic last time out, and could have batted well over the 118 had he not run out of time. With that match taking place just a few days ago, it’s hard to see how Miller will have lost his touch in that time, which means he could be on for another strong total if he gets to the crease.
For anyone willing to jump on that bandwagon, 6/1 at Sun Bets for Miller to be the top scorer is too tempting a price to overlook, as is 22/1 Andile Phehlukwayo who hit 42 not out in the same game. If you’re inclined to look on the other side of the oval towards Australia’s finest, seeing past Warner and Smith in the batting stakes is tough.
Indeed, not only did they both hit centuries last time out, there’s a chance South Africa will take their eye off the ball on October 9. With a 3-0 lead in the five-game series, the pressure (and possibly incentive) is off, and that could cause South Africa to take their foot off the gas this weekend. If that does happen, the likes of Warner and Smith are more than capable of seizing that opportunity.
11/4 for Warner and 7/2 for Smith being the top Aussie batsman are strong prices from Winner Sports. If leading totals aren’t your thing but you like the look of Warner, Sun Bet’s 5/6 on the Aussie scoring over 32.5 runs is certainly tempting.
Of course, if you’re a neutral and enjoy a coin flip (literally), 10/11 on either side winning the toss over at Ladbrokes should provide a sniff of added excitement before the balls start to fly.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
