T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa vs Nepal Best Bets

In a crucial clash for the sub-continental side, Nepal will take on South Africa in match 31 of the T20 World Cup on Saturday at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent, West Indies. Let’s look at the best bets to take for this game.

Venue: Arnos Vale Stadium

Betting Preview

Aiden Markram and his squad have had a stellar start, tackling both their opponents and the unpredictable New York pitches. With a spot in the Super 8s secured, they might now rotate their squad to give some bench players a chance. The Proteas have won their first three matches against Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. While the victories look good on paper, concerns persist about the top order, which has struggled, scoring only 107 runs between them. Fortunately, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen have stabilised the innings, showing great adaptability in challenging conditions.

Nepal, meanwhile, lost to the Netherlands and had their second match washed out. They now face a tough task with matches against South Africa and Bangladesh, with minimal game time so far. The return of star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who was initially denied a visa, boosts their chances. He’s proven effective in Caribbean conditions with an impressive record in the CPL and will be a key player.

Even though the Proteas will make a few changes, this should be a relatively easy win for them. Back South Africa to win at 1.02.

Players to Watch:  South Africa’s new kid on the block, Ottneil Baartman, has made his presence felt in his four-game career with eight wickets at 9.12 apiece, going at just 4.56 RPO. Nepal’s highest-ever wicket-taker Lamichhane is two away from 100 in the T20I format. He has failed to take a wicket in just six of his 52 matches. However, he hasn’t bowled in a T20I since November 2023, so may be a bit rusty coming into this match.

Prediction: South Africa to win at 1.02.

Key Stats

South African paceman Anrich Nortje is four wickets away from reaching 50 in T20Is. He has taken 12 wickets in his last eight matches with eight coming from the last three.

The average run rate across Arnos Vale’s three T20Is is 7.18rpo.

The last five T20Is involving Nepal were all won by the chasing side.

Not one of the five South African bowlers has conceded on average more than 6.08rpo in the first three matches.

Dipendra Singh Airee took at least one wicket in eight of his last ten matches.

Heinrich Klaasen has been dismissed for a duck just once in 42 innings.

Best Bets

Best Bet: Fall of 1st wicket to be over 18.5 at 1.86.

Value Bet: Anrich Nortje to be South Africa’s top bowler at 4.00.