ICC T20 World Cup Week 2, Tips and Previews
Australia vs. Sri Lanka
October 25th
Poor start for Sri Lanka, losing to Namibia, but they are back on track with easy wins over Ireland and the Netherlands.
Kusal Mendes is proving to be one of the early stars of the tournament, leading the run tally with 171 at an average of 57. If Australia can take his wicket, early Sri Lanka will be struggling to claw their way back unless the likes of Charith Asalanka can hold his own against a formidable Australian attack.
As for the bowling attack, Wanindu Hasaranga has nine wickets to his name after just three matches, with his leg spin tying down batsmen trying to get the run rate ticking over. He is a fascinating prospect against an Australian team that enjoys the ball coming onto the bat and could shape this game.
But it is a bit of a fragile Australian batting line-up that was dismissed for just 111 in its World Cup opener against New Zealand. The much-discussed opening partnership of Aaron Finch and David Warner is fledgling at best for now, while apart from a brief Glenn Maxwell cameo, there wasn’t much else to get excited about. Their bowling attack comes with experience and is dependable, but they’re struggling with an X-factor at this point. But Australia has an impeccable record in World Cups in both formats and should bounce back here.
Suggested Bet:
Kusal Mendis leading run scorer for match at $8
Ireland vs. England
October 26th
The best stories in these tournaments come from minnows defeating traditional powerhouses, and the early Cinderella tale here is Ireland dismantling the West Indies to win through to the Super 12 stage. Veteran Paul Stirling holds the key to the Irish batting attack and is in a patch of form with 108 runs from four innings. A talented English bowling attack will see Stirling as its prized wicket.
He won’t have it easy against Mark Wood, who is one of the quickest bowlers in the game, while left-arm paceman Sam Curran carved through Afghanistan recently, finishing with the startling figures of 5-10.
It’s been an even contribution from the England batters so far, they can get a big score out of Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone at any given time. Losing five wickets in the win over Afghanistan may be some cause for concern and could be the area where Ireland gets an edge on them.
Suggested Bet:
Ireland highest opening partnership $2.31
New Zealand vs. Afghanistan
October 26th
Afghanistan held its own in its opening match loss to England and could still be a force in this World Cup. Ibrahim Zadran and Usman Ghani worked together well in the loss and could be set for bigger things as the tournament progresses. Captain Mohammed Nabi hardly set the world alight with either bat or ball and will have the pressure to step up if his team is to challenge here.
But even if Afghanistan are at their best, it’s a fair task to take on a New Zealand team buoyant from its crushing win over Australia.
Devon Conway has the highest score of the tournament with his unbeaten 92 from 38 balls, while Finn Allen hit the ball wherever he pleased. Combine that with Tim Southee, who took three wickets from just 13 deliveries, and the always-economical Trent Boult, and the Black Caps are suddenly the team to beat. But it won’t be Afghanistan who beats them.
