South Africa v Australia tips, odds and predictions, 1st T20

Australia has a potentially tricky first T20 fixture against South Africa at the Wanderers in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Aussies are coming off a series loss to India in a three-match one-day series in India, that was closely fought and could have resulted in the visitors winning.

Now Australia will have to adapt to the 20 over format, for the three game T20 series, that will be followed by a three one-day games, with the tour winding up on March 7.

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The Australians have been installed a $1.60 favourite by Bet365 to win the opening T20 fixture against the Proteas, who are $2.27 outsiders.

The match will also be the return of David Warner and Steve Smith to South Africa, following the ball tampering scandal in 2018, that lead to the pair and Cameron Bancroft being exiled from the Australian team.

The Australians were also rocked by the late withdrawal of the powerful Glenn Maxwell, who surprised officials with his decision to stand down from the team with injury, despite being cleared by the team’s medical staff.

This means the two inclusions into the Australian T20 team for this series are the big-hitting D’Arcy Short and all-rounder Mitch Marsh.

Aus v SA 1st T20 odds

Match odds: Australia ($1.60) v South Africa ($2.25)

Man of the match odds: Quinton de Kock $8, Aaron Finch $9, David Warner $9, Steve Smith $10, Francois du Plessis $12.

Top Australian run-scorer: Aaron Finch $3.40, David Warner 3.60, D’Arcy Short $4.33, Steve Smith $4.50, Matthew Wade $5.50

Top South African run-scorer: Quinton de Kock $3.10, Francois du Plessis $4.50, JJ Smuts $4.50, Rassie van der Dussen $4.50, David Miller $5.50.

Top Australian wicket-taker: Mitchell Starc $3.75, Pat Cummins $4, Adam Zampa $4.50, Jhye Richardson $5.

Top South African wicket-taker: Kagiso Rabada $3.50, Lungi Ngidi $3.50, Dale Steyn $4.50, Tabraiz Shamsi $4.50

South Africa v Australia tips -1st T20 International

Australia is deservedly favourite to win the series and this match against the rebuilding South Africans, but we are tipping this match will be a lot closer than anticipated. Here are our best bets and winner tip for Australia vs South Africa.

Adam Zampa most wickets for Australia

The South Africans are likely to target the Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, with the pace bowlers so hard to score off, but Zampa is in outstanding T20 form, as shown by his BBL season, and has improved dramatically as a wicket-taking option. Zampa’s odds of $5 to top the wickets is also too good for us to pass up.

Run-scorer/wicket taker double

We think there is some value to be found in the wicket-taker/Run-scorer doubles market for South Africa. While we think Quinton de Kock is too short in the betting to back outright for most runs, if you double it into Kagiso Rabada, who is returning after being rested for the South Africans series against England, you should get odds of around $10.

South Africa v Australia winner tip

Australia has only had a few days to adjust to South African conditions, after most recently playing in India. But the travelling carnival nature of T20 cricket and extremely experienced Aussie squad should see them prepared well. In conclusion, We are tipping Australia to win a close game against South Africa, after a spirited showing from the home team.