General

Windies 2/1 to level series

This fascinating one-day series comes to an end on Wednesday, when West Indies attempt to draw level and go home with some positives prior to England's spring tour

Andrew Hall
02-Feb-2004
This fascinating one-day series comes to an end on Wednesday, when West Indies attempt to draw level and go home with some positives prior to England's spring tour. Brian Lara's men are 2/1 outsiders, with South Africa 4/11.
Lara himself has confirmed how much happier West Indies are under the blazing sun, rather than under blazing floodlights. Sadly for Lara, the final game of the series finds the one-day circus pitching up at Newlands, where once again, the second innings will start in the twilight. The toss is sure to be crucial.
In stark contrast to the Test series, only one century has been scored for either side. Jacques Kallis scored 109 not out in the first match, and followed that up with an unbeaten 95 in a losing cause at Centurion. He is 11/4 to round off the series by top-scoring for South Africa in the final match. Lance Klusener roused the spectators with an ebullient unbeaten 41 at Centurion - he is a tempting 14/1 outside bet.
The West Indies Top Team Batsman markets are intriguing, mainly because of the lack of impact the batsmen have made - none of the top order have shown any consistent form. Chanderpaul, Lara, Sarwan and Powell have each scored one fifty, and it is likely that one of them will again come good in the final match. Sarwan looks best value bet at 9/2. Chris Gayle has had a dreadful time to date - only 40 runs from four innings - and he is somewhat over-rated at 4/1 second favourite behind Brian Lara at 5/2. Ridley Jacobs - often the man for a crisis - could again attract some attention at 20/1.
As well as the pre-match betting, bet365 will be betting in-running throughout the match. Pre-match markets include Match Sixes, Batsman Matches and a Match Handicap.
Odds are correct at time of publication but are subject to change.