South Africa vs India T20 World Cup final picks, predictions and odds: Bowling in depth

The spectacle in Barbados will be complete on Saturday as South Africa and India battle it out in the final of the men’s T20 World Cup.

Both teams boast unbeaten records at the tournament, with South Africa recording a one-sided win over Afghanistan in the semi-finals on Wednesday and India beating England to book their ticket.

The Indians have been labelled the ‘favourites’ in the latest cricket odds but there is no dearth of stars in the two line-ups for this heavyweight final, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Heinrich Klaasen and Kagiso Rabada headlining.

My South Africa vs India predictions take a closer look at the best betting angles.

South Africa vs India Picks, Predictions & Betting Tips

My best choice:
Kuldeep Yadav Over 1.5 wickets (+125 at bet365)

My analysis
The Indian bowling attacker has put in a sensational tournament and Jasprit Bumrah has rightly received a lot of praise, living up to his reputation as the best bowler in the world.

But the Indian spinners were also excellent. They kept the English batters in a stranglehold on Thursday and will be looking to repeat the trick this weekend against a South African team playing in a World Cup final for the first time.

I see left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as the X-factor for India, and the Over at 1.5 wickets stands out as a valuable prop. Kuldeep has collected 10 wickets in his last four outings, hitting this Over in each of those matches.

With 3 for 19 against both England and Bangladesh, he is finding the Caribbean pitches to his liking. Moreover, India’s ability to take wickets early should pave the way for Kuldeep to go into attacking mode against batters who are not yet settled.

As usual, he will be tasked with the crucial middle overs on Saturday, and that could mean matchups against South African power hitters Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs. But Kuldeep’s variety and changes of pace have carried top class batsmen through this World Cup.

He could be especially dangerous if South Africa are aiming for a big score and need to be ultra-aggressive. Risky shots are often dangerous against Kuldeep and his fellow left-handed spinner Axar Patel.

With India chasing their first major tournament win since 2013, there will be some tension in the air at Kensington Oval, but I think Kuldeep will hold his nerve and extend his impressive wicket-haul here.

South Africa vs India same-game parlay (SGP)

Kuldeep Yadav More than 1.5 wickets

Indian Money Line

Rohit Sharma Over 28.5 runs

While neither team has lost a game in this World Cup, this feels like India’s moment. With the exception of a nail-biting win over Pakistan, the Indians have come through this tournament and I’m adding their moneyline to this SGP.

There are question marks over how South Africa will approach this big occasion and, perhaps more rightly, how they will navigate this in-form bowling line-up in India. The ball attack of Quinton de Kock and Klaasen in particular could provide a counter-blast, but there is little room for error.

The forecast for Barbados calls for thunderstorms this weekend, so India’s experience in big matches could also be an advantage if we get multiple rain delays. The Indians handled the stoppages with ease in their semi-final victory – and if the final cannot be completed on Saturday, the tournament will include a reserve day on Sunday.

One of the most decisive moments in this final will probably be the South Africans’ opening overs with the new ball against Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rabada and Marco Jansen have taken 18 wickets between them at this World Cup, but Rohit has been in scintillating form, including 57 on Thursday and a devastating 92 from 41 balls in the previous match against Australia.

The Over on his total runs on Saturday feels like a must-have prop. The powerplay overs offer the best scoring opportunities and I think the Indian captain will take the lead with another classy innings.

Learn how to bet on a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

South Africa vs India odds

Odds thanks to bet365 at 6-28

Game information South Africa vs India

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