South Africa vs Afghanistan Cricket World Cup - Proteas set for first win of World Cup

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 13 Jun 2019

Ralph Staniforth 13 Jun 2019

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Quinton de Kock to dominate Afghanistan bowling attack

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Quinton de Kock has scored 50+ in six of his last 10 innings and is tipped to do so again against Afghanistan (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Afghanistan Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips & Live Stream

South Africa and Afghanistan meet at Sophia Gardens in search of their first 2019 Cricket World Cup victory. Quinton de Kock will be key to South Africa’s performance so I am tipping him to score over 42.5 runs and convert it into a 50+ score at 2.10.

South Africa Form & Team News

South Africa have had a terrible start to their World Cup campaign. Their recovery needs to start in earnest against Afghanistan after their last fixture against the West Indies at the Rose Bowl was rained out.

Under grey skies it was only Quinton de Kock who looked comfortable against the pace of the West Indies, but at 27-2 and with De Kock on 17 not out the players were taken from the field and never returned.

There has been positive news for the South Africans with fast bowler Lungi Ngidi passed fit to play against Afghanistan. Whether there will be further changes to a struggling batting line-up remains to be seen.

South Africa are comfortable favourites for the win at 1.14 but there is more value in backing Quinton de Kock at the top of the innings. De Kock has been playing solid cricket throughout 2019 and he is South Africa’s only form batsman. I am tipping him to score over 42.5 at 1.90 while it will be worth backing him to score 50+ at 2.10.

afghanistan cricket — This will be the first ever meeting between South Africa and Afghanistan in the ODI format of the game (Getty Images)

Afghanistan Form & Team News

Afghanistan are yet to win a game at this year’s Cricket World Cup. Their last match against New Zealand was particularly disappointing after Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran got them off to a good start.

Unfortunately once New Zealand broke the 66-run opening partnership the rest of the batsmen fell without much fight, eventually being bowled out for a measly 172. Despite taking an early wicket Afghanistan never threatened as the Black Caps cruised home with seven wickets in hand.

The good news for Afghanistan is that star player Rashid Khan has been passed fit to play after being struck on the head while batting against New Zealand.

Afghanistan can be backed to cause the biggest upset of the tournament at 5.5,0 but that seems to be an unlikely scenario even against an out of sorts Proteas side.

South Africa vs Afghanistan Head to Head

South Africa and Afghanistan have never met in the ODI format of the game.

South Africa vs Afghanistan Live Stream

You can watch the live action between South Africa and Afghanistan by streaming it on bet365. Please see terms and conditions at bet365 before attempting to watch the match on your iPhone, iPad, Android device or computer.

South Africa vs Afghanistan Match Up

South Africa will want their batsmen to find some form in this match. Quinton de Kock is the only batsman that has shown any level of comfort at the crease recently so he’ll need to lead the way.

Even an out of form South African side should be too much for Afghanistan. Should Afghanistan pose any threat it will come through their spinners, a type of bowling the Proteas have struggled with at the World Cup.

lungi ngidi bowling — In positive news for the Proteas, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is fit to return after his hamstring injury (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Afghanistan Key Statistics

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock averages 61.5 in his last 10 official ODI matches.
South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has scored over 42.5 in 6 of his last 10 ODI matches.
South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has surpassed 50 in 6 of his last 10 ODI matches.

Verdict

South Africa are desperate for a win against Afghanistan to get their campaign up and running. I am backing Quinton de Kock to spark the side into action by scoring over 42.5 runs at 1.90.

De Kock has scored six fifties in his last 10 ODI innings so there is value in him to score 50+ at 2.10.

Best Bet: Quinton de Kock Over 42.5 Runs @ 1.90 at bet365 – 3 Units

To Score 50+ Tip: Quinton de Kock @ 2.10 at bet365 – 2 Units