Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
South Africa slipped to defeat against England on Monday, but don’t have to wait long for an opportunity to get back to winning ways against a Scotland team without a point so far.
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 9th October, 2024: UAE – 2:00pm / USA (PST) – 3:00am / USA (EST) – 6:00am / UK – 11:00am / South Africa – 12:00pm / India – 3:30pm / Pakistan– 3:00pm / Bangladesh – 5:00pm / Australia – 8:00pm
VENUE: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, UAE
WEATHER: Temperatures reaching highs of 37c amid blazing sunshine make for uncomfortably hot conditions.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: USA – Willow TV / West Indies – ESPN Caribbean / UK – Sky Sports / South Africa – SuperSport / Pakistan – PTV Sports & TEN Sports / India – Star Sports / Bangladesh – Nagorik TV
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: USA – Willow TV website / West Indies – ESPN Play Caribbean app / UK – Sky Go / South Africa – SuperSport app / Pakistan – Myco, Tamasha & Shoq / India – Disney+Hotstar / Bangladesh – Toffee / Australia – Amazon Prime Video
HOW TO GET TICKETS FOR THE 2024 ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP: Click here for the latest ticket information for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
SCOTLAND FORM: SCOTS A LITTLE OUT OF THEIR DEPTH THUS FAR
On the back of defeat at the hands of Bangladesh, Scotland fell victims to a six-wicket thrashing by West Indies last time out. We say thrashing because the Windies chased down their 100 run target in just 11.4 overs as the Scottish bowlers were flailed to all parts of Dubai, with the exception of the excellent Olivia Bell.
SOUTH AFRICA FORM: PROTEAS FALL VICTIM TO SCIVER-BRUNT SHOW
After thrashing West Indies by ten wickets, South Africa batted first against England but 124/6 felt like it might not be enough after a slow period across the middle overs where scoring became difficult. But the Proteas were in the game at 50/2 after 8.5 overs before Nat Sciver-Brunt took charge. An unbeaten 48 from 36 balls helped see England home by seven wickets with four balls remaining.
SCOTLAND BETTING ANALYSIS
The only bowler of Scotland’s as it stands to have taken four wickets after two group games, Olivia Bell has been excellent for her country so far in this tournament. Bell’s right-arm offbreaks with variations of pace and flight have been difficult to attack and led to mistakes by the opposition. If anyone is capable of taking down a strong looking South African batting unit, it’s Bell and it’s worth considering backing the 20-year-old to gain over 1.5 match wickets.
SOUTH AFRICA BETTING ANALYSIS
At the risk of repeating ourselves, yet again it’s Laura Wolvaardt at the top of the order who immediately stands out as the most worthwhile investment from a betting perspective. Scores of 59 not out and 42 for the red-hot South Africa captain in her two innings played so far makes her the first player to cross the 100-run-mark in the competition. There is no more dangerous batter in the world right now and bettors should continue to try and take advantage of Wolvaardt’s form with another stake on her to not only score 20+ runs against Scotland, but also to finish as the Proteas’ top batter.
SCOTLAND VS SOUTH AFRICA EXPERT PREDICTION
On paper, this contest looks to be a mismatch. Scotland have found it incredibly hard to adapt not only to the high level of opposition, but especially the hot weather which has really taken its toll on the squad. That was evident in their bowling last time out against West Indies and could have an adverse effect again here against South Africa. The Proteas are a superior unit in all departments and any outcome other than victory for them would be a big shock.
SCOTLAND VS SOUTH AFRICA TOP TIP: SOUTH AFRICA TO WIN