Twenty20 World Cup / Alan Dudman / 12 June 2009 /

South Africa have been the outstanding team in the tournament so far and only a Chris Gayle blitzkrieg is likely to stop their progress as the two teams lock horns at The Oval on Saturday.

Team news:

The West Indies face their second game in as many days following their clash with India at Lord's on Friday. With Chris Gayle back in the side after his knee injury, the Windies are twice the team. Lendl Simmons has proved he is worth his place in the eleven and with the added bonus of his swingers, he gives more balance to the line-up at three than Xavier Marshall.

South Africa have the luxury of an extra day off, it matters little however, and they'll continue with the team that has proved so successful and are unbeaten thus far.

Pitch Conditions:

At last some sun! The forecast is a positive one, some rays mixed with a bit of cloud, it should be the hottest day of the week on Saturday at The Oval. The dancers should enjoy the warmth too.

The pitch in South London has been it's usual pacy, bouncy self, unlike Lord's on Thursday which looked a bit two-paced. Steyn bowled very quick here against Scotland - who had no idea how to play him. It turns too, so Botha and van der Merwe could play a key part in the middle of the Windies innings.

Match Odds:

The West Indies were [2.70] to beat India on Friday, so their current match odds price of [2.56] looks a touch on the skinny side. If you are a backer, the time to do it is in-running - an ask of [3.00] early on would be reasonable.

The Proteas are no value at [1.32] to back, the only room to play with the price here is by siding with them above [1.65] if the Windies bat first and get off to a flyer.

Best Batsman:

Having faced the quality of the Indian attack on Friday, the West Indies face a better one here. Chris Gayle's 88 at the Oval against Australia was one of the best innings I have seen. He'll be around [3.95]. But the value could be with Dwayne Bravo at around [6.00] as he'll have a big part to play should early wickets fall.

The World's best 20/20 batter is AB de Villiers and his backfoot game is suited perfectly to The Oval. After two quiet games, he should be backed at [4.50].

Featured Market:
I am liking the most sixes market at the moment, and it is worth taking on the West Indies at [2.22] in this. It's a ploy that can go horribly wrong if Gayle starts his pyrotechnics - but they have no other six hitters bar Bravo in the team, and Sarwan cannot get the ball off the square at the moment.

Recommended bets:

Back Dwayne Bravo in 'top West Indies bat' market @ [6.00]
Back AB de Villiers in 'top South Africa bat' market @ [4.00]
Lay West Indies in 'most sixes' market @ [2.22]

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: