South Africa even better value for World T20 glory after group stage

South Africa’s victory over the Sri Lankans in the group stage renders their sharing of tournament favouritism great value for punters wishing to back the Proteas.

They’re available at 9/2 to claim their maiden World t20 crown and it’s a price well worth getting involved with.

This is largely down to the quality they have available in every department, plus the kinder Super Eight draw they’ve been granted for beating Sri Lanka to the top spot in Group C.

India will represent their toughest opponents, but their performance against Afghanistan proved the Proteas have nothing to fear against the 2007 winners.

Australia and, most probably, West Indies will be their other opponents and these are two inferior teams in cricket’s shortest format.

The Aussies are ranked ninth in the world, below Bangladesh, whereas the Windies are too reliant on Chris Gayle to do the business, as well as lacking in bowling options.

This draw should see the South Africans safely through to the semi-final stage, which will see their odds shorten massively. They’ve also proved they’re not intimidated by the host nation’s home support as they beat them at Hambantota.

Their 100 per cent record in the tournament so far also takes their recent run to six wins in seven completed games. This great form cannot be equalled by any other side in the competition which is another factor that points to them being crowned world champions in Sri Lanka.

South Africa’s host of star batsmen could also be worth punting on in the top runscorer markets with the world’s number one t20 side expected to go the distance.

Hashim Amla has been an absolute run machine this summer and is certain to have a few big innings before the tournament is out; he can be backed at 16/1 to top the scoring charts.

Dale Steyn is their best bet to top the wicket-taking standings, but it’s tough to be as optimistic about his chances in contrast to Amla’s.

This isn’t a slight on the bowler’s ability – he will certainly be a threat with the ball in the remainder of the tournament.
This conclusion is centred more around the fact that spin bowlers Saeed Ajmal and Ajantha Mendis have been electric in the early exchanges, picking up big hauls against the minnow nations.

With Mendis’ nation already in the Super Eights, if Ajmal can join him, it remains difficult to see how either of them won’t finish as top wicket-taker given the threat they pose on the turning pitches of Sri Lanka.

All odds and markets accurate as of time and date of publication