Twenty20 / Editor / 08 June 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

World Twenty20 favourites South Africa meet New Zealand at Lord's in the first dead rubber of the tournament. Team news is key, says Ed Hawkins

Team news

New Zealand will give a late fitness test to their captain, Daniel Vettori. Vettori injured a shoulder in practice on Friday and missed the seven-wicket victory over Scotland a day later. In a dead rubber - both sides have qualified for the Super Eight - it would be a surprise if Vettori risked further damage.

South Africa could be tempted to rest some of their key players. Graeme Smith spoke at the start of the tournament about how his men have been virtually playing non stop.

Conditions

Look up, not down. The weather forecast for the north London skies above Lord's is not good. Heavy rain is expected. But do bear in mind that HQ has excellent drainage so we should be hopeful of a reduced-over match at the least.

Match odds

Only four days in and punters have the dilemma of a dead rubber. Neither team needs to win, although there will be much talk from the respective leaders about building "momentum".

South Africa are hot favourites at [1.60] and have been so impressive that they have usurped India as jollies to lift the trophy. Those of a nervous disposition worry that the Proteas have peaked too early, a ridiculous suggestion given they have played one game proper - and they didn't leave first gear.

New Zealand could have been worth a nibble at [2.60] but alas the doubts surrounding Vettori mean they should not be backed until it is confirmed that he plays.

These sides have met three times before in Twenty20 with South Africa winning twice. Interestingly, all three games have been won by the side chasing.

Top batsman

Ordinarily a team would shuffle their batting order in a shortened game. Not these sides. Their hitters are at the top anyway. Ross Taylor, who took a liking to HQ in the warm-up against India, would have been the Kiwi bet but for his awful record against South Africa. In all formats, he has never scored more than 20 and averages just 10. AB de Villiers, in nick after 79 against Scotland, top scored for South Africa the last time these two met.

Featured market

The highest individual score market has yet to settle but the bet of the day could be going under 68.5 runs. In 12 innings - not including Monday's matches - only three batsman have beaten the mark.

Ed Hawkins says: Back under 68.5 on highest individual score market if you can get [1.80] or higher