With one eye on the World Cup, and one on the dodgy weather that has plagued the tour thus far, this T20 series isn’t getting a whole heap of attention. That may be exactly what the West Indies need to be competitive and sneak a couple of wins ahead of the World Cup.
The Last Time These Two Met
Just one run separated the sides in 2010 when they last met. Plenty has changed since the North Head match though; Chanderpaul and Sarwan were still playing for the West Indies; Smith and Botha for South Africa. The overall record between the teams shows us that South Africa usually win but by a small margin.
The Teams
South Africa (likely): 1 Morne van Wyk (wk), 2 Reeza Hendricks/Rilee Rossouw, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Farhaan Behardien, 5 David Miller, 6 David Wiese/Justin Ontong, 7 Wayne Parnell, 8 David Wiese, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Marchant de Lange, 11 Imran Tahir
South Africa’s squad features a number of players who are not involved in their World Cup campaign, meaning there is an element of future planning evident in the team. A prime example of that is U19 World Cup winner Kagiso Rabada. Of the players who have made the 15, there will be plenty of interest in Duminy’s form and fitness, as well as eyes on Miller and Behardien as they look to build some form for the February tournament.
West Indies (likely): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Lendl Simmons, 4 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 5 Marlon Samuels, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Jason Holder, 8 Darren Sammy (capt), 9 Andre Russell, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Sheldon Cottrell
Chris Gayle is the name that jumps out of the reinforcements that have been summoned to make West Indies more competitive in the T20 series. After sitting out the test series because of a back complaint, the destructive opener will be looking to build on some exciting form he showed for the Lions in South Africa’s domestic T20 tournament. Smith, Pollard, Sammy and Russell are the other new faces.
The Key Players
Marchant de Lange – Once destined to play a huge amount of games for South Africa the genuine quick bowler has had his career stall thanks to injury and form concerns. His numbers rest at just 2 tests, 2 ODI’s, and 3 T20 games. That’s too few for someone who took seven wickets in his first effort in test cricket. South Africa will be hoping he can lead the attack in the absence of some of the names they hope de Lange will eventually replace in the test team.
Chris Gayle – The veteran of 193 T20 games owns an incredible record – 14 centuries in all T20 cricket, including a best of 175* (which is, amazingly, better than his highest ODI score). He’s made a name for himself in the format and has a list of franchises he’s played for longer than most shopping lists. Expect fireworks from Gayle against the relatively inexperienced opposition attack.
The Odds*
South Africa – $1.80
West Indies – $2.00
*International Cricket odds courtesy of Ladbrokes Australia.
The Prediction
South Africa’s willingness to rest players may leave them exposed in this series, especially given their form in Australia in the format was less than convincing. I really like West Indies chances here. Ladbrokes Australia are offering good money on the win, and good money on the tourists to be ahead after 1 and 6 overs too.
