ICC T20 World Cup Tips and Previews, 4th November
Australia vs. Afghanistan
November 4th
The pressure is right on the Aussies to win this game to advance to the semi-finals, but they need other games to pan out for them.
But the most dynamic cricketing nation of the modern era can only control what is in front of them, which in this case.
The whole tournament has been heavily affected by poor weather, with no country bearing the brunt more than Afghanistan. Their most recent game did conclude, though, with the Afghanistan team losing to Sri Lanka in a disappointing performance.
They couldn’t capitalise on a solid opening partnership between Usman Ghani and Rahmanullah Gurbaz and folded quickly against a Sri Lankan team that has been up and down. While they have won the bulk of their games, it has still been a disappointing series for the Australians, with Aaron Finch only just finding form while the bowling attack hasn’t had its usual impact. But this is a nation that knows how to step up when it counts and should get the big win needed here.
Suggested Bet:
Raman Gurbaz top scorer for Afghanistan at $3.60
Ireland vs. New Zealand
November 4th
Ireland may have lost to Australia in its most recent clash, but its impressive run in this tournament continues. An undefeated 71 from Lorcan Tucker showed he could take it up to the very best, while Barry McCarthy caused problems with the ball. Ireland still has a chance to progress to the next stage, but it is unlikely, to say the least.
First, they need to somehow overcome New Zealand, which sits at the top of the table.
The Black Caps had a hiccup against England at the Gabba and will be looking to bounce back, knowing there is still a faint chance they may not win through to the semis.
Glenn Phillips is one to keep an eye on to continue his excellent form with the bat, while we should expect Trent Boult to recover from a rare poor showing with the ball.
Suggested Bet:
Devon Conway to top score at $4.50
Sri Lanka vs. England
November 5th
England looks set to be parking at the right time here, after a relatively easy win over New Zealand. Jos Buttler is stepping up when it counts, while all-rounder Liam Livingstone has shown he can cause damage with both bat and ball.
Sam Curran’s nippy left-arm seam continues to trouble every team he faces and could prove to be the thorn in Sri Lanka’s side.
It’s been a mixed bag for the Sri Lankan team with some thumping victories punctuated by some poor losses. They remain one of the World Cup’s most inconsistent teams and have struggled against some of the bigger cricketing nations.
Much will depend on Wanindu Hasaranga’s opening spell and whether he can cause the same damage to England’s top order that he had in his man of the match performance against Afghanistan.
Suggested Bet:
Jos Buttler top scorer at $3.75
Zimbabwe vs. India
November 6th
India hasn’t been far from the headlines right throughout this World Cup; from its thrilling win over Pakistan at the MCG to dashing knocks and a hint of controversy from Virat Kohli, India has been at the centre of just about everything. They sit atop their group going into this match, and all signs point to another devastating performance.
Kohli relishes attention and shouldn’t be fazed by some of the drama around him. With support from KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yazav, India has a deep batting order that should have no problems overcoming a Zimbabwe team reeling from successive losses.
