Ireland v South Africa First T20I: 3 Bets to Take in Malahide

Ireland and South Africa will lock horns in the first T20I of the series in Malahide. In their previous encounter, Mark Boucher’s men managed to salvage the series with a 70 run win. This will be the first meeting between the two sides in the shortest format of the game. We’ve put together three bets to take for the first T20I.

South Africa to Win

The Proteas won the final ODI of the three-match series helping them avoid an embarrassing series defeat. Outstanding performances from Quinton de Kock (120) and Janneman Malan (177*) proved more than enough as the Proteas won the match by 70 runs.

Just days after learning of their opponents in the preliminary stages of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Ireland can now begin working on what has arguably been their weakest format. The hosts have lost an astounding 16 out of 19 T20Is since the last T20 World Cup in 2016. The Proteas now know that Ireland are capable of beating them which is why we should see a more focused and motivated Proteas side looking to win their second T20I series on the bounce.

Quinton De Kock

In the final match of the ODI series, Quinton de Kock showed us just how valuable he is to the South African batting lineup with another fantastic knock. De Kock scored a magnificent 120 off 91 balls. The Proteas’ wicketkeeper continued with his fantastic form after having a wonderful series against the West Indies.

After the ODI series ended one apiece, the Proteas will be looking to get off to a winning start in this series and I’m backing de Kock to produce another match-winning performance in Malahide.

Tabraiz Shamsi

The Proteas’ wrist-spinner reasserted his authority as ICC’s number one ranked T20I bowler with his team’s best bowling figures in three of their five recent T20Is against the West Indies. He also recorded the best-ever economy rate (4.00) of any player to have bowled at least 20 overs in a single T20I series. I’m backing him to continue with his fine form in the first T20I of the series.