SKY SPORTS’ cricket man Joe Drabble (@Joe_Drabs) returns to preview the first World Cup semi-final.
New Zealand v South Africa | Tuesday 01.00 | Sky Sports 3
It's semi-final time at the Cricket World Cup and the best four teams, unsurprisingly, complete the line-up.
New Zealand, with a passionate home crowd in their corner, have won their last nine ODI matches in a row, while South Africa are going well themselves with eight wins from their last 12. Both are hoping to reach the final for the first time.
The match will be played at Eden Park, Auckland, a ground the Black Caps have already won at during the tournament – coming out on top after a thriller against Australia.
That one-wicket win will stand Brendan McCullum's men in good stead and I am on them at 6/5 to win this one. Personally I would have priced them up as favourites.
Elsewhere, I am lining up an audacious 75/1 fancy for us in the form of JP Duminy top match batsman. I'm not sure what planet Paddy Power are on with this price – the South African left-handed has already posted a century in the tournament and while he is down in the middle-order is still more than capable repeating the feat.
As for the bowling, Trent Boult is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 19 and got five at this ground against the Aussies. I'm on him at 5/1 to be the top bowler.
Best Bets
New Zealand v South Africa – New Zealand to win (6/5 Skybet)
New Zealand v South Africa – JP Duminy to be Top Batsman (75/1 Paddy Power)
New Zealand v South Africa – Trent Boult to be Top Bowler (5/1 888 Sport)
