South Africa pulled off an extremely vital win against India- vital for their own confidence. They were down and out for most of the first half of their match but clawed back so well, that it is only fair to call them the best all-round team in the world. They have been very impressive and are probably the most feared side going into the quarter finals. They will be trying to go there, sailing big. And with matches against Ireland and Bangladesh to go, you can expect that to happen too. For Ireland, it will be another exercise in showing the world they belong at this level, regardless of whether they keep winning or not. They certainly put up a decent effort in every game.
Most runs scored
The South African batting is star-studded and every day seems like it belongs to a new player. However, Ab de Villiers is one batsman who seems to have forgotten what failure means. He is one batsman you can bank upon to get runs. However, with that in mind, he is due for a failure and you never know in cricket. Amla too has been sensational in the consistency aspect. Kallis is amongst runs again, du Plessis is one big innings away from being a world-class batsman. Overall, if there’s any problem in that order, it is only that Graeme Smith looks tentative out in the middle. That could turn around, though. As it does with any top-class batsman.
Ireland have a good mix of busy batsmen and big-hitters, to go with the sheet anchor in William Porterfield. But it doesn’t look likely that they will put up much of a fight against the South African bowling, spearheaded Dale Steyn with the kind of form he’s in. Here are the odds.
Available odds: Amla @ 3.25; Smith @ 3.75; De Villiers/Kallis @ 5.00; Joyce @ 4.50; Porterfield @ 5.00; Niall O’Brien @ 5.50
that_guy’s pick: Smith @ 3.75; Niall O’Brien @ 5.50
Most wickets
Needless to say, South Africa will almost definitely be the team that picks up most wickets in this match. If they do, it’ll almost definitely be on the back of the extremely awesome quality of fast bowling that they possess. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel will be the men to look out for. Johan Botha and Peterson have done a good job too. Kallis looks a little off colour with his bowling, but his experience means that he will always stand up and make himself be counted, over and over again.
The Irish bowling hasn’t inspired wonders, but Trent Johnston and Dockrell have been exceptions. Dockrell will be the safest bet, considering he’s the only spinner in the squad.
Available odds: Steyn @ 3.25; Morkel @ 4.50; Botha @ 6.00; Johnston/Dockrell @ 4.50; Rankin @ 5.00
that_guy’s picks: Steyn @ 3.25; Dockrell @ 4.50
Match result
South Africa. Without a shadow of a doubt.
Available odds: South Africa @ 1.06; Ireland @ 6.00
that_guy’s pick: South Africa @ 1.06
[All odds taken from 888sport]