Australia and South Africa play in the second Cricket World Cup semifinal on Thursday night.
We are surprised by the sportsbook odds, which has Australia at $1.72, despite having superior form coming into this match.
South Africa is being respected, and it should be an explosive game.
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Australia vs. South Africa Predictions
It hasn’t been vintage cricket from Australia throughout the tournament, but they have provided fans and bettors with plenty of reasons to get excited.
They scored a thrilling win over Afghanistan, with Glenn Maxwell scoring an unbeaten 201. It was one of the greatest solo performances we have ever seen, and there is always someone willing to stand up for Australia.
If it’s not Maxwell, it could be David Warner or Mitchell Marsh, so underrating this Australian team would be a mistake. They’re not as good as they used to be, but neither is South Africa.
The South Africans got through to the semis with a win over Afghanistan, but their tournament hasn’t been good. They were thumped by India in a shocking display, scoring 83 runs in reply to India’s 326.
Should India make the final, South Africa knows what awaits them, and that could make beating Australia even harder.
Much like Australia, this isn’t a vintage South Africa team. Quinton de Kock is all class, but they aren’t as strong further down the order.
However, there has been solid betting support for them at $2.08. Those odds are too short for our liking, and there is better value with Australia.
Back Australia to prevail and make the Cricket World Cup Final. $1.72 is a great price, and we expect that to shorten closer to game time.
Bet: Australia @ $1.72
Australia vs South Africa Player of the Match
The current favourite for Player of the Match is Warner at $8.50, but we fancy Maxwell to provide more excitement.
He can turn the match on its head at any moment, and he’s no longer a hit or miss player. He’s consistent, and although he won’t repeat his heroics from earlier in the tournament, he’s seeing the ball better than most.
He comes in at a time when Australia usually needs him to produce his best, which is why he often wins Player of the Match.
Maxwell is a $10.50 chance at the sportsbook, which is good shopping.
If South Africa win, de Kock is their likely hero. His experience and class could be enough to get them over the line, so he’s the next best player.
Bet: Glenn Maxwell @ $10.50
Australia vs South Africa Top Run Scorer
We like Marsh to be the top run scorer for the match. He has been solid throughout the tournament, and he’s due a big total.
There has been respect for him with bookmakers on the fourth line of betting, and a total of around 70 could be enough to get it done.
We’re happy with the $8 available, and we’re going to entertain Maxwell at $14 as well.
We’re also including de Kock for South Africa. He’s on the second line of betting at $5.80, and he’s the most important player in their team.
Bet: Mitchell Marsh @ $8
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