ICC T20 World Cup Tips and Previews – 28th October
Afghanistan vs. Ireland
October 28th
Beating England has been one of cricket’s great joys for almost 150 years, and it turns out it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Ireland’s win on Wednesday was quite possibly the greatest achievement in the nation’s cricketing history, surpassing its win over the West Indies only days earlier.
It may have been decided by DLS, but a win’s a win. Andy Balbirinie played a massive role in the win, blasting 62 while getting plenty of support from fellow opener Lorcan Tucker. If those two can replicate that success, they will be in the box seat here.
While the poor weather played into the hands of the Irish, Afghanistan hasn’t been quite so lucky, with two games cast aside due to rain. Their one completed match was a loss to England, where they were bamboozled by left-armer Sam Curran.
Big-hitting Ibrahim Zadran was the best for Afghanistan on that occasion, and while Afghanistan is still a largely unknown quality this far into the tournament, they haven’t shown enough to suggest they will win this.
Suggested Bet:
Andy Balbirnie top scorer for Ireland at $3.75
Australia vs. England
October 28th
Cricket’s longest-running rivalry has a bit of a cloud hanging over it in more ways than one. The Australian loss to New Zealand and England’s loss to Ireland has turned the World Cup on its head, but both results may be minor hiccups in the bigger picture.
However, England’s bowling attack is still strong, with Mark Woods the fastest bowler in this form of the game. Liam Livingstone provides able support, while Chris Woakes will be looking to bounce back after conceding 41 runs in three overs against Ireland.
Australia’s batters will likely target Woakes early, and if David Warner and Aaron Finch can middle a few early, they may set the tone for a big win in front of a thriving MCG. As has been the case throughout the tournament, the weather is a significant factor, and a big start may be what is rewarded if DLS comes into play.
Suggested Bet:
Top bowler Mark Wood at $6
New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka
October 29th
The Black Caps couldn’t carry the momentum from their thrashing of Australia into the game against Afghanistan, with that game abandoned without a ball being bowled.
But they still have winning form and a strong batting line-up to match. Devon Conway’s undefeated 92 was the most impressive knock off the World Cup, and he looks set for another big game. Meanwhile, the bowling attack is absolutely world-class, and Tim Southee’s three wickets from 13 deliveries will make a brittle Sri Lankan batting line-up uneasy. Their chances lie with their bowlers, with Maheesh Theekshana, their leading man. He needs to get wickets early, especially Conway’s. If that is the case, Sri Lanka has a chance, but New Zealand has a form line that can’t be ignored.
