New Zealand vs South Africa Prediction: Hosts can edge series finale
New Zealand and South Africa have traded wins for the first four games of this T20 international series and now play a winner-takes-all decider at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday (06:15 GMT, TNT Sports 1).
In a series in which both teams have rotated heavily, this is a chance for fringe players and ones for the future to lay their claim to a spot on the international stage. Below are my New Zealand vs South Africa predictions, alongside team news and match odds.
New Zealand vs South Africa Betting Tips
*odds correct at time of publication
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Team News
James Neesham will carry on as captain for New Zealand with Tom Latham absent. Cole McConchie was signed by PSL team Rawalpindi Pindiz but it remains to be seen if he will miss this game as a result. If he does, Jayden Lennox is his likely replacement.
South Africa are likely to opt for the same line up that won the fourth T20 international between these two teams.
New Zealand vs South Africa Odds
New Zealand are 8/11 to win while South Africa are 11/10. Tim Robinson is 10/3 favourite to be the top batter for the hosts while Tony de Zorzi is 7/2 favourite to top-score for the Proteas.
Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears are 5/2 joint-favourites to be New Zealand’s top bowler while Ottniel Baartman is 14/5 favourite to be the visitors’ top bowler
Match Result - New Zealand @ 8/11
New Zealand and South Africa have played out a competitive four-game series so far but the Black Caps are fancied to edge the deciding T20 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The hosts’ batting lineup has blown hot and cold but on a pacy pitch they should be able to bounce back after they were skittled for 145, chasing 166, in the fourth clash between these two.
They have won five of the last eight T20Is that they have played at this ground and have been victorious in six of the last nine head-to-heads between these two teams in this format.
South Africa’s openers have struggled recently, with Wiaan Mulder recording back-to-back ducks, and if the home side can contain the Proteas’ middle order more effectively, they should win this one to edge what has been a competitive and enthralling series.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Ottniel Baartman top South Africa bowler @ 14/5
Baartman has been supremely consistent for this South Africa team and he looks set to enjoy the bouncy and pacy conditions at Christchurch in this decider.
The 33-year-old has taken 17 wickets in his last 10 games, including five in three games in this series, and looks a tempting price to be the visitors’ top bowler in conditions which should play into his hands.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
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