South Africa vs India first ODI: Tips and suggested bets

The venue for the start of the ODI series might act as a leveller of sorts but South Africa are still in danger of being blown away by potent India batting stocks.

South Africa haven't lost an ODI at the Wanderers since February 2020, and the bullring has typically been a fortress for the Proteas, as the famous 438 game will attest to.

However, India might have taken some of the shine off of its imposing gleam by smashing South Africa in the final T20I of their three-match series, which went down at the Highveld ground.

India have only beaten South Africa once in ODIs at the Wanderers, although they do have wins over the West Indies and Sri Lanka at the ground from tournament play.

 

South Africa vs India first ODI: Suggested bets

South Africa might be pleased that Suryakumar Yadav hasn't been included in the ODI squad after a big knock at the Wanderers earlier this week.

Shreyas Iyer stands out as the real top order danger man in the absence of the big names of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

This first ODI should provide Reeza Hendricks with the foil to push for a more regular place in the playing XI.

Hendricks has been the perpetual backup man but looks set to front the Proteas, batting alongside left-handed Tony De Zorzi as the opening pair.

Hendricks has a point to prove and an experienced middle order to fall back on.

Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will be a challenge the South Africans will either rise to or allow to topple them.

Kuldeep bowled well here in the T20I format but might find maintaining that over ten overs a challenge.

The bounce at the Wanderers makes a bowler like Kuldeep dangerous, even if it isn't traditionally thought of as being spin-friendly.

Somewhat strangely, it seems South Africa are also set to lean heavily on a pair of spinners, with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi both expected to feature in the first ODI.

Lizaad Williams ranks as the senior seamer, with Nandre Burger and Mihlali Mpongwa potentially in line to debut.

 

Predictions

Shreyas Iyer to top score for India

Tabraiz Shamsi to take the most wickets for South Africa 

Lizaad Williams to take the first wicket for South Africa

India to strike more fours than South Africa