Zayed Cricket Stadium will play host to Saturday's T20 World Cup game between Australia and South Africa. The game kicks off at 9:00 pm with Australia heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Australia vs. South Africa game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday October 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

Where: Zayed Cricket Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Australia vs South Africa Odds

Australia vs South Africa Preview

The T20 World Cup Super 12s get underway with a grudge match between two teams desperate to get their campaign off to a positive start.

Australia and South Africa are both yet to feature in a T20 World Cup final, while both missed the semis last time around in 2016. They were also arguably the two biggest disappointments of the 2019 ODI World Cup. Australia are on the fourth line of tournament betting at $7.50, while South Africa are well back at $13.

The Aussies arrive in the UAE on the back of dismal 4-1 T20I series losses in the West Indies and Bangladesh. But the bones of that vastly under-strength squad has been bolstered by the return of big guns Steve Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Kane Richardson and Pat Cummins. Captain Aaron Finch is back on deck after battling a knee injury, while Mitch Marsh and Mitchell Starc – standout performers in the Caribbean – have major roles to play.

Warm-up form provide positives for both teams

Smith and Stoinis produced strong batting displays in warm-up matches against New Zealand (won by 3 wickets) and India (lost by 8 wickets) this week. Warner’s return of 0 and 1 is a slight concern.

South Africa’s most recent competitive T20I assignment was a 3-0 away sweep of Sri Lanka. Keeper-opener Quinton de Kock carried of Player of the Series honours with a pair unbeaten half-centuries, while Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram made important contributions with the bat.

The Proteas’ warm-ups this week included a 41-run win over Afghanistan and a six-wicket, last-ball victory against Pakistan engineered by Rassie van der Dussen’s stunning 101 not out off 51 balls.

The teams last met in the T20I arena in early-2020, with Australia taking the rubber in South Africa 2-1. Finch and Warner starred for the tourists, while de Kock was the only Protea to shine with the bat.

Australia have the edge in experience and arguably boast a more potent bowling attack. Their big-name batsmen need to step up, but the Aussies’ favourites tag for the opening games looks well-placed.

Consider Mitch Marsh ($5.00) and South African skipper Temba Bavuma ($4.50) for value options in the top team batsman markets.