SIX BETWAY SA20 STARS SET TO LIGHT UP THE SAVWI ODI SERIES

The Betway Test series has been completed and the teams now switch over to white-ball cricket.

We take a closer look at six Betway SA20 players from both South Africa and the West Indies that are sure to light up the upcoming three-match ODI series, starting on Wednesday at Buffalo Park in East London.

1. Romario Shepherd: West Indies, Joburg Super Kings  

The powerful Guyanese all-rounder was a big hit with the Joburg Super Kings in the BetwaySA20, particularly showcasing his death bowling skills in the Highveld derby when he successfully defended 10 runs off the final over against the Pretoria Capitals. He will look to utilise that experience in the ODI’s against South Africa.

1. Odean Smith: West Indies, MI Cape Town

The Jamaican was one of the few standouts in a disappointing MI Cape Town campaign and still held his own, particularly with the ball. Smith assessed the conditions quickly, especially on the coastal surfaces, and will be a real handful down in East London with his subtle change of pace deliveries.

1. Kyle Mayers: West Indies, Durban’s Super Giants

An all-action cricketer that holds nothing back. Formed a successful opening partnership with Quinton de Kock at Kingsmead and delivered arguably the ball of the tournament when he uprooted MI Cape Town’s Dewald Brevis stumps at Newlands. Showed during the Test series once again how useful he can be and will play a big role in both departments for the Windies.

1. Bjorn Fortuin: South Africa, Paarl Royals

Arguably the most in-form cricketer in South Africa with ball and bat, Fortuin has simply taken his superb Betway SA20 momentum into the domestic circuit. He will now get a long-awaited opportunity to showcase his ODI skills after the freak injury suffered by Keshav Maharaj in the final Test.

1. Tristan Stubbs: South Africa, Sunrisers Eastern Cape

The highest paid Betway SA20 star may not have enjoyed the tournament that he may have hoped for, but he still made valuable contributions to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape winning the inaugural Betway SA20 championship. He remains only 22-years-old, though, and will have an opportunity to show that he is more than just a basher with a first opportunity in the longer format of the white-ball game this week.

1. Wayne Parnell: South Africa, Pretoria Capitals 

The veteran all-rounder was initially meant to put his feet up for the first couple of ODI’s but due to Wiaan Mulder’s injury he has been called back into action. Parnell was excellent in his leadership role at the Pretoria Capitals guiding them to the final at the Wanderers and will bring a valuable amount of experience to a youthful Proteas squad.