The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals are here, with four teams vying for their spot in the decider.
Our expert team has analysed all the form and markets for an incredible round of semis.
INDIA VS. NEW ZEALAND
15th November, 7:30pm
Can the Kiwis get anywhere near the seemingly unstoppable Indians?
Many pundits are predicting another one-sided affair in the first of the semi-finals, with the Indians currently $1.25 favourites to win the game and as short as $1.85 for the World Cup.
There is very good reason for India’s market support after skating through the Group Stage with nine of the most dominant victories one is ever likely to see. After kick-starting their home tournament with a six-wicket win over the Aussies, India pieced together a flawless campaign that involved a record 302-run triumph over Sri Lanka, a 243-run win against the Proteas and a seven-wicket demolition of Pakistan.
From Virat Kohli’s World Cup-leading performances with the bat (594 runs) to Jasprit Bumrah (17 wickets), Mohammad Shami (16) and Ravi Jadeja (16) with the ball, there is currently no weakness in the Indian line-up.
Perhaps most concerningly for the Kiwis is the fact India put on 410 runs in their most recent match against the Netherlands, with centuries to Iyer and Rahul showcasing the depth of their batting.
It will take an incredible effort from New Zealand to cause an upset, but they will have the confidence of a last-start victory against Sri Lanka behind them. Notably, the win snapped a four-game losing streak whereby they went from the top of the table to only scraping into finals with five wins.
Kane Williamson’s return from injury is a significant boost for the Kiwis, but it won’t be enough against an Indian side showing all the hallmarks of a champion team.
Suggested Bet: India Most Sixes @ $1.42
South africa vs. Australia
16th November, 7:30pm
One team is chasing its sixth World Cup crown, while the other is looking for its first. In fact, South Africa is attempting to make a WC Final for the first time in its history, having squandered opportunities with highly talented squads in the past.
This year could be different for the Proteas as they enter the match after cruising to seven wins from their nine matches so far. While they capitulated against India for a 243-run loss less than two weeks ago, the remainder of their tournament has been first-class, with five wins by 100 runs or more.
Quinton de Kock has been the star of the show for the South Africans with four centuries and 594 runs (ranked 2nd), while Gerald Coetzee has terrorised batsmen with 18 wickets from just seven games.
The only thing standing in the way of South Africa and that elusive World Cup Final appearance is the six-time champions, Australia. A team that started the tournament as poorly as any side but has clicked into gear with seven consecutive wins en route to the semis.
With an in-form David Warner, a red-hot Mitch Marsh and a world-beating Glenn Maxwell, there’s no doubt Australia has the firepower to blast their way into an eighth World Cup Final. Adam Zampa is the key with the ball, as he’s claimed more wickets than any other bowler with 22.
They say timing is everything in cricket, and it feels like the Aussies have timed their run to perfection.
Suggested Bet: Q. de Kock top South African batsman @ $2.00
