THE EDGE: The Edge previews the Champions Trophy first semi-final between South Africa v New Zealand with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Semi-Final 2: South Africa v New Zealand
MATCH OVERVIEW:
It’s time for Semi-Final 2 at the Champions Trophy as South Africa clash with New Zealand on BETDAQ Betting Exchange. It feels like a lot of water has gone under the bridge since New Zealand beat Pakistan in the opening game of the tournament, in what was a de-facto Quarter-Final given the cut-throat nature of the Champions Trophy. Group A went exactly as everyone thought it would after that; but New Zealand would have felt pretty confident at the innings break on Sunday with India on 249/9. India bowled superbly though, and New Zealand had no answers. The situation with the BCCI refusing to play in Pakistan has now given New Zealand a very tough schedule.
They had to travel to Dubai to play their final group game, now back to Pakistan for the Semi-Final days later – the way things could work out as well they might have to travel back to Dubai if India beat Australia. It’s definitely been a massive edge for India in the tournament – that being said they could have been knocked out by the time this game starts! South Africa haven’t put a foot wrong at the tournament yet; absolutely hammered England at the weekend and they blew Afghanistan away with some excellent bowling early in the tournament. It was a shame to lose their game against Australia to rain.
As always, this is the stage of the tournament where South Africa run into trouble. We can debate it all we want, but they carry the chokers tag for a reason. They are playing some excellent cricket, and they do have a slight advantage of not having the Dubai travel like New Zealand had. South Africa have an excellent chance to reach the Final; can they take advantage?
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We’re in Lahore for Semi-Final 2, and this will be the first time the sides have played here in the tournament. Scoring conditions have been very good – much better than the other Semi-Final venue anyway! Australia chased down 351/8 from England here, and then Afghanistan beat England by scoring 325/7. England still got over 300 in the chase. Australia were in full command of their game against Afghanistan when the rain came. You’d have to expect another high scoring game here; it’s actually hard to know what to do at the toss but either way conditions will favour the batters!
RECOMMENDED BET:
It’s no surprise to see South Africa as favourites here; they have played the better cricket and they have had an easier run through to this game with less travel. I know South Africa carry the chokers tag, and that does make me want to reduce stakes here, but they look good value at 1.85 in my opinion. Their bowling has been top class to date and they have been bowling in excellent batting conditions too. New Zealand were impressive against Pakistan, but of course Pakistan haven’t been great coming into the tournament – I feel New Zealand are there for the taking; now South Africa just have to hold their nerve!
The Edge Says:
One point win South Africa to beat New Zealand at 1.85 with BETDAQ Betting Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/CTSoNe
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
In Semi-Final 1 you went into that game wanting to focus mainly on looking for trades on the bowling side because of conditions. This game is the opposite with some excellent batting conditions across Pakistan. You wouldn’t rule out a massive chase here either, however with that being said the South Africa attack has done very well in the tournament to date. I feel we’ll see most market movement when South Africa bat, and I’m happy to support them in either innings.
