Ireland vs South Africa Betting: Odds & Prediction (2021)

Date: 22nd July

South Africa lead 2-0

Ireland vs South Africa Betting Odds

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Schedule for Ireland vs South Africa

Ireland vs South Africa 1st ODIODI11th JulyThe Village, Malahide16:30 IST

Team News

Ireland

Ireland have yet to announce their squad for either the ODI series or the T20 series. The team is currently on tour in the Netherlands, but we expect a squad announcement in the next week or two. We will keep you posted on any updates.

Ireland Squad for T20

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, William McClintock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

South Africa

South Africa Squad for T20

Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton De Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Migala, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aidan Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phelukweyo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams

Key Players

Ireland

• Andrew Balbirnie – The current Ireland captain in all formats, Bilbirnie is an experienced batsman, often considered the backbone of the Irish ODI team. He has a proven track record with over 2,000 ODI runs to his name, and is also a capable fielder – even filling in as wicket-keeper on occasion.
• Paul Stirling – Probably the most dynamic batsman in the Ireland side, the 30-year-old has a reputation as an opener who likes to take risks and play his shots. He is especially effective in the T20 format, in which he is ranked the 10th highest run-scorer of all time. He can also be devastating in ODIs if he gets through the new ball. Moreover, with one international five-for to his name, he has also shown himself to be a handy occasional off spinner.
• George Dockrell – A gifted all-rounder, this former Somerset player plays an important role in bringing balance to the Ireland team. Whilst Dockrell is competent with bat and ball, it is with his slow left arm orthodox bowling that we feel he will make the most impact. With nearly 90 ODI wickets to his name, the 28-year-old has a wealth of experience to draw on, and Ireland will be depending on him to tie up an end in the middle overs.

South Africa

• Quinton de Kock – One of the best wicket-keeper batsmen in the game, de Kock has a distinguished record in all formats. Nevertheless, it is in ODI’s that he has produced some of his best form, scoring over 5,000 runs at an average of 44.74 and 15 centuries. His credentials behind the stumps are equally impressive – he has amassed 168 catches and 9 stumpings in ODIs, and 41 catches and 11 stumpings in T20s. Like many wicket-keepers, the former South Africa captain is also known for his vocal presence in the field, frequently offering encouragement and advice to his team mates.
• Temba Bavuma – Now South Africa’s captain in the limited over formats, Temba Bavuma has an impressive ODI average of 49.78, and a solid 35.57 in T20s. He will have positive memories of playing Ireland in the ODI format, as it was against them that he scored his maiden ODI century back in 2016. It will be worth keeping a close eye on his performance as captain, as he was only promoted to the position in March this year.
• Anrich Nortje – An out-and-out pace bowler who consistently hits 150kph, Nortje has the ability to turn a game on its head at any moment. With his ability to beat the batsman for pace, as well as to get in their face with shorter length deliveries, he is a force to be reckoned with, and Ireland are likely to take a defensive “damage limitation” approach when facing him. His confidence will be buoyed by his recent performances against West Indies, particularly in the first Test, during which he took a combined 7 wickets for just 81 runs across both innings.

Form

The international cricket schedule and top cricket tournaments, like so much else, has been considerably disrupted by the pandemic. However, with restrictions beginning to ease, both teams have played at least one recent series from which which we can assess their form.

Ireland

Ireland’s most recent series was against a tour of the Netherlands. On paper the two teams were closely matched, with the Netherlands ranked 11th in the world in the ODI format, and Ireland just behind them in 12th position. Ireland had an unfortunate start to the three-match series, though, losing by just a single run. Their second outing proved more successful, as they put in a strong performance that led to them winning comfortably, with 8 wickets and 42 balls to spare. However, they failed to capitalise on their momentum in the third match, which they lost by a margin of 4 wickets and 25 balls.

Overall, this 2-1 series defeat was a disappointing tour for Ireland, and does not bode well for their series against a much stronger South Africa team.

South Africa

South Africa are currently on tour in the West Indies. While the tour has yet to be completed, we can already glean some insights into their form based on their performance thus far.

South Africa dominated the West Indies from start to finish in their first test match, thrashing them by a margin of an innings and 63 runs. South Africa were firing on all cylinders throughout the match, but it was their performance in the field that really grabbed people’s attention. Their seam attack was at its devastating best, with Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje in particular looking to be at the very top of their game. In the first innings they bowled the Windies out for less than 100, which is a rarity in Test cricket. The second innings was almost as brutal for the West Indies, as they were all out for just 162. Their combined total across both innings of 259 was their lowest Test match score while being bowled out twice in the 21st century.

Going back a little further, South Africa faced off against Pakistan this April. Their form in this series was mixed, as they lost the ODI series 2-1, and the T20 series 3-1.

If South Africa can push forward from their impressive showing against West Indies, they will make for formidable opponents. However, they have shown signs of weakness when put under pressure.

Pitch Conditions and Analysis

Pitch conditions can often prove a decisive factor in any closely fought match, and this series is no exception. South Africa’s attack contains some out-and-out pace bowlers who stand to benefit from any bounce a surface offers, while Ireland’s more swing-oriented attack will be looking for tracks and conditions that can help their bowlers find movement both in the air and off the wicket.

So what can we expect from the venue in this case?

Stormont, Belfast

A small venue, seating just 6,000, Stormont cricket ground also goes by the name “Civil Service Cricket Club”. It is located right by the Northern Irish government building. Due to its size, boundaries may flow if one of the star players gets in!

Like Malahide, the pitch is subject to Irish weather conditions, so don’t expect a dry turner or a concrete-like surface. Then again, there is the chance of seam and swing which will whet the appetite of both team’s pace attacks.

Key Stats for Ireland vs South Africa

• South Africa have won all of the previous 5 meetings between the two sides.
• The last 3 matches Ireland have lost by an average margin of 179.33 runs.
• The high-scorer in their previous meeting was Temba Bavuma, who scored 113 runs.

Ireland vs South Africa Historical Data

In order to gain some insight into how this series is likely to pan out, it can be useful to look at the previous meetings between the two nations.

Looking at their recent matches, it is clear that South Africa have consistently dominated over the Irish side.

Recent Winners

History of Ireland vs South Africa

As Ireland is not a major cricketing nation, there is relatively little cricketing history between the two sides. The matches they have played have been one-offs, or during tournaments. This is also South Africa's first series tour of Ireland.

As we can see from the data provided above, on the few occasions when the teams have met, South Africa have largely dominated.

Ireland vs South Africa Betting FAQs

Which are the best sites for Ireland vs South Africa betting?

If you’re looking to place some bets on the Ireland vs South Africa series, there are many options available. However, we would single out Unibet and 18bet as the very best.

When will Ireland vs South Africa take place?

Ireland and South Africa will start their ODI series on the 11th of July. The T20 series will kick off on July 20th.

Where will it take place?

All the ODIs, as well as the first T20, will be played at The Village, Malahide. The second and third T20 will be played at Stormont, Belfast.

CricketBettingAdvice Final Say

The Ireland vs South Africa series is set to be a fascinating encounter, with plenty of exciting twists and turns!

For those who wish to have a punt on the game, any of the recommended bookies at the beginning of this article can provide a fantastic experience.

Finally, as always, remember to gamble responsibly!

Cricket Betting Advice

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