T20 WORLD CUP: Our cricket tipster The Edge previews Monday’s T20 World Cup match between Ireland v Netherlands with a recommended BETDAQ bet.

MATCH OVERVIEW:

The T20 World Cup hits Abu Dhabi on Monday and we have a huge game in Group A on BETDAQ Betting Exchange. Group A is rightly called the “Group of Death” after the groups were redrawn when Oman was hosting the tournament. Although Sri Lanka are a poor side these days compared to what they were, they are still expected to top this group so that leaves Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia chasing second. A lot of casual cricket fans will write off Namibia but Associate cricket is unbelievably cut-throat – even with Sri Lanka big favourites here for the group, I also wouldn’t be surprised if they lost at some stage to any of the other three sides.

Whatever way you chop up the group, this game is massive. It’s almost like a knockout game given the situation in the group as it’s unlikely either side can comeback from a loss here. You wouldn’t say they were certain to even beat Namibia never mind have to beat Sri Lanka. The players will know this, and we should have a fascinating game here. Netherlands won the qualifying tournament in the UAE so they will know exactly what is needed – they benefit hugely from having their star players back from the English domestic scene as they weren’t allowed out of the bubble for their games this summer.

With players like van der Merwe, ten Doeschate and Fred Klaassen back in the mix their XI looks very strong – that’s not even mentioning Ackermann or Max O’Dowd. They look a very strong squad over all. For Ireland, it’s the same old story as it’s been for a while now – they need O’Brien, Stirling or Balbirine to fire at the top of the order otherwise they aren’t getting a good score. Netherlands need to strike early.

WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:

Unlike Sunday in Oman, we have had a lot of cricket played in Abu Dhabi recently with the IPL. This is a day game so we won’t see any dew, although it will be tough going for the bowlers in the heat in the first innings. Scoring has generally been a little tough here, although we have seen some decent scores. Although we had a lot of IPL cricket here, I would expect fresh wickets for this tournament. If I won the toss, I’d bat as I see that offering a slight edge. You get best use of batting conditions and the bowlers don’t have to face the heat.

RECOMMENDED BET:

It’s hard to see anything other than a very close game here, and Ireland look very short at 1.75. I’d make this a 50/50 game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if some cricket punters made Netherlands favourites. I know Ireland have some very talented batsmen, especially Paul Stirling who can win a game on his own but other than the top order I just don’t see how they are getting enough runs to win the game. The Netherlands bowling attack looks strong now they have their best players back – and don’t forget Netherlands beat Ireland 2-1 in an ODI series this summer even without their stars. Netherlands look excellent value here – they have much better bowling, and that can be the difference.

The Edge Says:
Four points win Netherlands to beat Ireland at 2.24 with BETDAQ Betting Exchange

View the market here -> https://bit.ly/BDQIreNet

IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:

There’s some nice angles to focus on here. I feel there will be a slight edge batting first, but I wouldn’t go too hard on that. I’d be happy to support the Ireland top three in the batting, but after they go I’ll be heavy on the Netherlands. Their middle order has collapsed this summer time and time again, and I just don’t see them playing a match winning knock. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get bogged down and post a low score if the top three are out cheaply. Netherlands have some nice bowling options too – so getting against the Ireland middle order will be the best value play in-running here.