FRIDAY T20 WORLD CUP: The Edge previews England v New Zealand with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
England v New Zealand
MATCH OVERVIEW:
We have a cracker at the T20 World Cup Super 8 on Betdaq Betting Exchange on Friday as England take on New Zealand in Colombo! England can come into this game relaxed given they are already through to the Semi-Finals, and while New Zealand have one foot in the Semi-Final a win here would be vital for them. After their washout against Pakistan, they now have three points – a loss here would see them finish on that total and then a win for Pakistan against Sri Lanka would also put them on three points – it would then come down to run-rate. New Zealand are massively ahead there though so Pakistan have a mountain to climb.
England have been building nicely throughout this tournament. Harry Brook’s side scraped past Nepal in the group stage – a result that had everyone worried – but since then they have been much more convincing. The win over Sri Lanka in the Super 8s was clinical, and then they backed it up against Pakistan on Tuesday in what was arguably their best performance of the tournament from Harry Brook. Powering them home when wickets were falling all around him; England had to get over the line without him at the death, but the damage was done. That was surely the knock of the tournament.
New Zealand, as ever, have just quietly gone about their business. They are doing classic New Zealand – no drama, no fuss, just winning games. They came through the Group of Death alongside South Africa, and have carried that form into the Super 8s. The Sri Lanka game on Wednesday wasn’t without its moments – Sri Lanka had the crowd behind them and will have been desperate for a win – but New Zealand got the job done when it mattered. This is a side that knows exactly how to win close games at major tournaments. The question is whether they have enough firepower to go all the way. It will be fascinating to see if they can live with an in-form England side here.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We’re back at the Premadasa in Colombo – the venue that has hosted more drama than any other ground in this tournament. Zimbabwe beat Australia here; it also hosted India v Pakistan! The pitch here has been reasonably tricky; generally it has paid to bat first, though Zimbabwe did successfully chase Sri Lanka’s 178 in the final group game to show it can be done. The pitch tends to play well in the first innings but slows down considerably as the game goes on, bringing the spinners into play and making run-scoring harder in the second innings. I would suggest it’s been a big edge to bat first – First innings scores at this venue this tournament have been 163/6 (won), 182/6 (won), 169/2 (won), 175/7 (won), 178/7 (chased), and then 168/7 (won). We also had the washed out Pakistan v New Zealand fixture, so obviously keep an eye on the radar.
RECOMMENDED BET:
It’s no surprise to see a competitive market here. Two sides in very good form, both going into the game with very strong performance level in the tournament too. Equally, not without their flaws but also packed with experience. England are trading as the favourites at 1.86, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the market bounce around here. Generally, it pays to support England when they are on a good run like this with momentum – their batting is firing too. However, I do feel the toss will go a long way to deciding the game here, and I’m happy to back the side that bats first.
The Edge Says:
One point win The Team Who Bats First (England 1.86 or New Zealand 2.16) with Betdaq Betting Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/WCEnNz
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
As always in Sri Lanka, the absolute first priority is the weather radar. New Zealand have already had a Super 8 game rained off here. You’d have to give a big edge to the side who bats first here; that’s been quite clear here throughout this tournament. Both captains will know that obviously, and the toss will be important. New Zealand will likely rely on their disciplined bowling attack to keep England in check through the middle overs, but I do feel supporting the side bowling in the second innings will be the way forward here. Obviously we have to watch closely for dew as that will change things, but I can see a score being defended again here.
