Cricket World Cup Tips and Previews, Nov 4-5
New Zealand vs. Pakistan
4th November
A top 4 spot is up for grabs for the winner of Saturday’s clash between New Zealand and Pakistan, with just one win separating the two sides in 4th and 5th.
After claiming four consecutive wins in a scintillating start to the tournament, New Zealand has rapidly fallen out of form with three straight losses. They will need to bounce back from a crushing defeat at the hands of South Africa on Wednesday night, whereby they were dismissed for 167 during their 357-run chase.
On the other hand, Pakistan returned to their winning ways when they snapped a four-game losing streak with a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Fakhar Zaman (81) and Abdullah Shafique (68) led the charge with the bat, while Shaheen Afridi and Mohammed Wasim Jr claimed three poles each.
While the Kiwis are $1.77 favourites with Bet Nation, don’t be surprised if Babar Azam and his chargers can take advantage of a down-and-out Black Caps side.
Suggested Bet:
Pakistan to win at $1.98
England vs. Australia
4th November
Can the Aussies continue England’s miserable ODI World Cup?
The two rivals are polar opposites of the form spectrum, with Australia’s incredible four-game winning run placing them as firm favourites ($1.55) against an English side sitting below Bangladesh and the Netherlands at the bottom of the table.
While the Aussies held out for a thrilling five-run victory against the Black Caps in their most recent outing, they will need to tighten up as a bowling unit after going for 383 runs from their 50 overs. Adam Zampa has been the standout bowler with a tournament-high 16 wickets, while David Warner is the third-ranked batsman with an average of 68.83. Travis Head was incredible against NZ in his first match back from injury, with 109 off just 67 balls.
Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will miss the crucial clash after he suffered a concussion in a freak golf cart accident.
England are only playing for pride at this point of the competition, with their 100-run loss to India making it just one win from their six games.
Suggested Bet:
T. Head top Australian batsman at $4.50
India vs. South Africa
5th November
The final game on a blockbuster weekend of World Cup cricket, the two top-ranked sides will go head-to-head when India hosts South Africa on Sunday night.
Currently quoted as $1.60 favourites, the undefeated Indians continued their red-hot form with a dominant 100-run victory over England on Sunday night. Rohit Sharma continued to lead from the front with 87 runs, but the fast bowlers proved unplayable, with Mohammed Shami (4/22) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/32) taking seven scalps between them.
The Indians will have a warm-up match in between when they face the 2-4 Sri Lankans on Thursday night.
As for South Africa, they reclaimed top spot when they dismantled New Zealand by 190 runs. Quinton de Kock is having the tournament of his life at the top of the order, with his 545 runs currently 140 more than the next best.
While both sides will feature prominently in the back end of the tournament, it’s hard to go past the Indians while they remain undefeated.
