THE EDGE: The Edge previews the Cricket World Cup clash between AFGHANISTAN v NETHERLANDS with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Afghanistan v Netherlands
MATCH OVERVIEW:
What could have been a dead rubber between Afghanistan and the Netherlands on Friday has turned into a massive game for both sides! Afghanistan will come into the game as heavy odds on favourites on BETDAQ Betting Exchange, but the Netherlands have already produced two shocks at this World Cup and they’ll be hoping to add more. Surprisingly to the Netherlands, they have been handed a chance to qualify for the Champions Trophy. They actually found out through the media on Sunday like everyone else because they wouldn’t have had a member at the ICC meeting when it was decided because they are an associate nation.
It’s actually incredible the ICC “decided” this in 2021, but told nobody. Even the England Cricket Board said they only found out at the weekend. Given England are currently sitting in the bottom two and Netherlands are two points ahead of them, the England v Netherlands fixture could actually decide who goes to the Champions Trophy. What an opportunity for the Netherlands nevertheless; if it went on rankings (like in the past), they would be miles off. Even though Netherlands have won two games at a World Cup for the first time ever, they have to go one better for a top eight finish. That’s going to be tough, and you’d have to say this is their best chance – their other two fixtures are against England and India.
For Afghanistan, they have become the only side who can seemingly catch the top four. They have to win every game and have results go their way too; it’s extremely unlikely but to be in this position is a big win for them. Especially given they started the tournament so poorly against Bangladesh. We should have a good game; to be honest it’s a good storyline whoever wins here!
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We’re back at Lucknow, and this is the final game here. This has been one of the most tricky grounds to bat at, and in general it’s paid to be supporting the bowl side here. The first inning scores have been 311/7 (won), 209 all out (lost), 262 all out (lost) and 229/9 (won). When South Africa posted the 300+, they won by 134 runs – for everyone else batting has been very tricky. The ball was absolutely turning square in the India v England game, that Buttler wicket would have to worry the batters here! It’s a tricky decision what to do at the toss; bat first and get best use of conditions or bowl and put the side under the pump because scoring will be difficult in both innings.
RECOMMENDED BET:
Afghanistan should be well suited by conditions, but tricky batting conditions should bring the sides closer together to be honest. It opens the door for a collapse, and Netherlands might be able to grind their way to 210 and defend it if things go well. Afghanistan actually haven’t played here yet, but Netherlands were beaten by Sri Lanka after scoring 262. Their bowlers will have to do better, but I feel they are worth a small bet at 3.45 or bigger. I just expect a closer game than the odds suggest – this Netherlands side has been fantastic, and they can play well again here.
The Edge Says:
One point win Netherlands to beat Afghanistan at 3.45 with Betdaq Exchange.
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/AfgNed
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
Netherlands did quite well here with the bat against Sri Lanka, but generally it has paid to support the bowling side. We saw a big swing in the odds here at the weekend when England kept India down to 229/9, but then it swung back pretty quickly when India got to bowl. I think batting first offers the best use of conditions, but I wouldn’t fancy being on either batting side for long here. The Netherlands lower order has definitely pulled their weight with the bat, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them add more runs but you definitely want a large percentage of your trading to be on the bowling side in both innings.
