South Africa v United Arab Emirates World Cup Match Prediction & Betting Tips

UAE have been great for the World Cup. Unlike Scotland, they have put up a fight before being blown away by two top oppositions. But, they have always been there and thereabouts. They would like to put up a fight against a top team and show the World that they are not here to just make up the numbers.

South Africa though have plenty to worry about. They cannot take this game lightly for many questions still remain unanswered about their batting composition, 5th bowler and skills chasing or closing out a game. AB de Villiers may have talked up their chances saying that they are just 3 victories away from taking the trophy home and that South Africa still are the best team in the tournament but their performance has still left plenty to desire. They will look to iron out as many creases as they can.

South Africa have not been able to forge a strong opening combination together either & they will hope that Quinton de Kock can find some of his old brilliance like he did 2 seasons ago versus India.

Head to Head

Both these teams have met on one occasion. That was in the 1996 World Cup. The game is famously remembered for former Indian & now South African mentor, Gary Kirsten’s knock of 188. This was the highest score by an individual in a World Cup encounter before Chris Gayle’s whirlwind double century against Zimbabwe couple of weeks ago.

At this Ground

Both these teams have not played at this Ground. But, going by previous games on this ground, Cake Tin has a bit to offer for the bowlers early on in the piece but nicely flattens out as the game wears on. The new ball should zip of the wicket. If the batsman can weather the storm early on, it should be easy pickings from then on in.

Having said this, I don’t think UAE will have any storm set for South Africa.

Tournament Records

For a long time in the tournament (4 games played by every team), UAE’s Shaiman Anwar was the World Cup’s leading run scorer. He has been usurped by two South Africans (Hashim Amla & AB de Villiers) & many more amongst the ranks. He will be looking to make some runs tomorrow.

Morne Morkel is South Africa’s leading wicket taker at this World Cup. He has 11 scalps to his name & is currently two scalps behind the NZ duo of Trent Boult & Tim Southee. Australian paceman Mitchell Starc is in the scheme of things with 12 wickets too.

Current Form

UAE began well this tournament but have since tapered away. They have had a few players who have contributed usefully to the cause but have been unable to string together a solid performance to steal a win. While they are out of the tournament, they will look to salvage a win against a top nation somehow.

South Africa have blown hot and cold this World Cup. After being touted in the three favourites to win this tournament, their performances have been indifferent. A few chinks have been found in their armour. The game tomorrow will be no dress rehearsal but it will give them a much needed opportunity to brush off some of the rust and dust before we get to the business end of the tournament.

UAE (1/5 games won) - UAE have lost all their World Cup games
South Africa (3/5 games won)

Pitch & Conditions

Cake Tin as we saw in the NZ-Eng encounter will have some green on the wicket. The new ball should nip around for the likes of Steyn & Morkel. Philander if available would be a real handful on this wicket. His nagging length outside the off stump could have caused some serious problems.

The wicket should even out as the game wears on & short square boundaries could get AB de Villiers knocking on the doors of a One Day double century and who knows it may just well be the quickest.

Players to watch out for

Dale Steyn & Morne Morkel have both bowled exceedingly well this tournament but in patches. The duo have failed to set the tournament alight in tandem. Against a pretty average UAE batting line up, you could expect the duo to get a few early wickets.

AB de Villiers may have the fastest 50, 100 & 150 in ODI cricket but he’s still short of the elusive 200. If he gets an early hit, Brendon McCullum’s innings against England would be forgotten.

Hashim Amla has been in imperious form over the last 18 months. With Virat Kohli, de Villiers & Steven Smith stealing all the limelight for batting prowesses, Amla has quietly put his name in the list of top batsmen in the World. He has scored runs at a fare click racking up centuries every 2-3 games. Only recently did he become the fastest to get to 20 centuries. And we were marvelling at Virat.

Shaiman Anwar has given us many reasons to smile. When he last played his last game, he topped the charts of high scorers. Without his team playing a game, he doesn’t feature in the Top 10. Anwar will be looking to set a couple of things straight in tomorrow’s encounter.

Prediction

A. If South Africa bowl first, they should wrap up UAE in less than 200.

B. They may look to bowl first as they have been below par chasing a total & would want to have a go batting second against UAE.

C. South Africa should sail through without too much trouble. Don’t see UAE putting up too much of a fight.