South Africa v West Indies First Test: Prediction & Best Bets

South Africa and the West Indies square off in the first Test of the two-match series tomorrow at SuperSport Park in Centurion. This series brings to a close the 2021/23 World Test Championship for both nations, who are out of contention for June’s final. Lwanele Poswayo has prepared his best bets for the first Test.

Temba Bavuma

Temba Bavuma has been the Proteas’ most consistent batter in Tests in the last few seasons. He averaged 40.07 last year, scoring four fifties in 8 matches and will be looking to pick up from where he left off. The new Proteas Test captain has an excellent record at SuperSport Park, he averages 74.5 with 3 fifties in four matches. I’m backing him to score a half-century at decent odds of 3.00.

Kagiso Rabada

Like Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada has an excellent record at SuperSport Park. South Africa’s spearhead averages seven wickets per Test in Centurion (42 from six). He also had a great 2022 where he was the leading wicket-taker in Tests (47). Take him to be South Africa’s top 1st innings bowler.

Prediction

The West Indies have lost all three Tests they have played at SuperSport Park with their last visit ending in an innings defeat for the tourists. The Proteas also have a great record against the visitors, losing two of their 24 matches. I’m backing South Africa to win the first Test.