The heavy hitters of T20 Cricket are coming together to decide the world champion
Our team of experts have analysed all the form and markets for a big week ahead.
Australia vs. New Zealand
22nd October 6:00pm
The World Cup is already well underway, but its big launch comes at the SCG with this game.
Australia hasn’t had an ideal preparation even though they are the favourites to win another World Cup tournament after their brilliant effort in last year’s World Cup.
Captain Aaron Finch has been in ominous form and is lucky to hold his spot, while some underwhelming performances in the recent rain-affected match against England may cause some angst. Mitch Marsh and Glenn Maxwell are also struggling to find their groove.
They won’t find life easy against an impressive New Zealand pace attack of Trent Boult, Adam Milne, Tim Ferguson and Lachlan Ferguson. At the same time, veteran Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson is also set for a big tournament. There may be some value in the New Zealand team here.
Suggested Bet: Top bowler Trent Boult at $3.90
England vs. Afghanistan
22nd October 10:00pm
Nothing boosts English confidence quite like a strong performance against an Australian team which is precisely the case here. Chris Woakes is humming after taking 3-4 against the Aussies in the recent warm-up match, while Joss Buttler and Liam Livingstone will set the tone with some big hitting.
Afghanistan may not be a cricket powerhouse, but they are no minnow and have been known to kill the odd giant. Its strength is its spin bowling, with Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi able to frustrate batters by taking some pace off the ball. Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have no trouble clearing the pickets either, and if they can find their rhythm, they may be a chance to cause an upset, but the safe money is with England here.
Suggested Bet: Top England batsman Jos Butler at $3.90
India vs. Pakistan
23rd October 7:00pm
There is never any love lost when these nations shape up, and it will be curious to see the performance from India, which is currently the number one T20 nation.
Virat Kohli is always one to watch, particularly without the burden of the captaincy which Rohit Sharma now holds. Kohli is at his best when he has a point to prove, but he does shoulder a lot of responsibility, particularly with a bowling attack that will be sorely missing the injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Pakistan is always a mixed bag, but they have a solid chance to do something special here, with a batting attack led by Mohammed Rizwan and Babar Azam, while Shaheen Afridi fronts an impressive bowling attack. An early win against India could be just the catalyst for a big tournament.
Suggested Bet: Pakistan win at $2.55
