South Africa Vs New Zealand / Semi Final (1) / Eden Gardens

South Africa to win the Sixes Match Bet 2Pts @4/5 

Back New Zealand to win 1Pt @11/8

Back Glenn Phillips for Top NZ Bat 0.5Pts @5/1 

(*odds accurate at the time of publishing)

The Final Four

Many would have successfully predicted our semi final line up, with perhaps the unlikely exception of Australia despite the few shrewdies who anticipated a poor showing after a disastrous Pakistan tour. The only real surprise may have been the exact matchups, with England perhaps expected to be here instead of New Zealand after an underwhelming group campaign and India being edged out at the top of their group.

India became the first team to complete a T20 World Cup unbeaten in 2024 and South Africa now sit at 7 from 7 in this tournament looking to match that feat. England meanwhile are once again crossing paths with India at the business end.

A quick reminder of the key trends at play:

• South Africa 7 from 7 so far
• India unbeaten in the 2024 edition
• England facing India in a third straight semi final
• Fifth England v India knockout since 2016

We are already positioned on India to reach the final @4/7 and the SA v India final @3/1, alongside a pre tournament play on England @6/1 with BetWright. With just three matches remaining, the expectation is for genuine knockout tension to deliver some classic contests.

Unbeaten Proteas or White Ball Stalwarts

There is an air of inevitability around South Africa given their perfect record and strong recent history in this matchup. Their form, squad balance and familiarity with Indian conditions make the 4/7 price logical.

However, New Zealand are rarely straightforward opposition at this stage of a tournament. They may not always look the most explosive T20 side on paper but they consistently punch above their weight in knockout cricket.

A few matchup angles stand out:

• Santner against Brevis and Miller in the middle overs
• Seifert with 71.3 percent of his runs coming in boundaries
• Ferguson’s past success against Markram

South Africa did show slight vulnerability against Zimbabwe last time out and asking any team to go 9 from 9 to win a tournament is a big demand. In a one off shootout, New Zealand @11/8 with BetWright offers a touch of value in what could be far tighter contest than the market suggests.

Super man Phillips to shine at Eden Gardens

Having spent their last few weeks on the slower and spin friendly tracks of Sri Lanka the switch to a quick and bat favoured deck under lights here could really suit their firepower. South Africa have been able to shine under lights and this may be the case here as NZ certainly have the capability to reach a 185+ score. This being said I fancy Glenn Phillips to double up on his top scoring effort (39) against England in Colombo. If Seifert and Allen don't set the world alight up top against Jansen then I back Phillips to handle Ngidi and Bosch. He Averages 32 in T20I cricket and return from injury has been impressive. A small wager on him to be top Kiwi bat here @5/1 with BetWright looks good to me.

South African Firepower

I have been on the South African side throughout the tournament In regards to six hitting ability as I think they've been generously priced. They are 5/7 in the matchbet marker and came within one big six of beating the West Indies who have set a new all time T20 comp record with 76 (Only Bulgaria have more with 78). England highlighted the vulnerability of McConchie as a spin option last time out and Phillips / Ravindra may struggle on a pitch like this in Kolkata. I think the @4/5 for the Proteas to win the 6s Match bet is value once again.