Grenada is the new bubble host for the five T20I’s. Big news from the hosts is the return of their superstar white-ball players to national duty.
Setting the Scene
St George’s (the Island version not the Eastern Cape one) offered up a 800 run game in 2019. For the batters this news is as welcome as a brandy special on payday in Benoni after they endured a torrid time during the test series.
The Windies will have Kieron Pollard leading the troops – which include fellow veterans André Russell, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Fidel Edwards. On the South African side they refresh the test squad with the addition of David Miller and Tabraiz Shamsi as the major changes to the test team. Bavuma should be fit to lead them into action this time around.
How I see it Playing Out
This is an incredible West Indian outfit rolled out for this clash whilst the visiting Saffas are in a transition phase. The likes of Lizaad Williams and Sisanda Magala are still trying to cement their regular place in the team whilst there is little certainty about the final batting order either. The home side have the ideal opportunity to gain some Pre T20 World Cup form and confidence during this series.
Betolimp Best Bets
Windies to win @ 1.67
I can’t go against this line-up of master blasters. There really is no score big enough to be safe against this power – Gayle almost singlehandedly got his side close to a 400-plus total in 2019 at this ground. Look down that maroon batting list and its match winners all the way down the list. I’m backing the proven white ball class to shine through in this one.
Top South Africa Batsman – Temba Bavuma @ 5.00
Bavuma will be keen as mustard to lead the charge for his side. He is very good at nudging the ball around and building an innings whilst others look to take more chances around him.
Man of the Match – H Walsh @ 21.00
SA fans might not know much about Hayden but legbreak googlies are something our batsmen also know little about. If he gets the nod he could be in the money.
Player to score most Sixes: LMP Simmons @ 11.00
Picking the preferred West Indian six hitter is almost like being handed a winegum and just hoping you end up getting the one you like most. Gayle, Lewis, Pooran, Russell and Hetmeyer all of the potential of going BIG but at the price Lendl at the top looks the sweet and juicy play.