T20 WORLD CUP: Our cricket tipster The Edge previews Saturday’s T20 World Cup double header with the SOUTH AFRICA v SRI LANKA and ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA matches – both previews include a recommended BETDAQ bet.
SOUTH AFRICA V SRI LANKA
MATCH OVERVIEW:
We have a fantastic Saturday at the T20 World Cup, and all cricket bets are 0% Commission on BETDAQ Betting Exchange! South Africa have had a dramatic week, but at the moment it appears they have their star Quinton de Kock back after he made himself unavailable for their game against West Indies on Tuesday. We’ll never know the ins and outs of it, but apparently the South African players were told they had to “take a knee” against racism three hours before the start. Anyone that’s watched South Africa games lately will know that their range of players select to show support in different ways – some stand with their arm up and a fist for example.
It was a decision from the board that came at the last minute, and they got a reaction. I feel de Kock was right in his statement afterwards – is something worth doing if you are told to do it? Nevertheless, after some thought he is back. South Africa will be delighted to have him back too, they were lucky it came against the West Indies and this is a must win game for them looking at the table in Group 1. England are running away given their net run rate and that only leaves one spot – Australia were impressive when beating Sri Lanka on Thursday and South Africa will be hoping to win here and see England beat Australia later because it’s better for England to just top the group with that net run rate. Sri Lanka would also dearly love a win, but they look pretty limited – however conditions might suit them in Sharjah – a fascinating day awaits!
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
Apart from Afghanistan’s 190 batting first against Scotland here, batting has looked tough in Sharjah. I don’t want to read too much into that game either because, although no offence to Scotland, the level isn’t high enough to rate the wicket. Even the Bangladesh v West Indies game on Friday would be unreliable as those two teams have been unreliable! Sri Lanka managed to chase 171/4 from Bangladesh here, but other than that scoring has been pretty low. Bowling first has definitely given a little edge – I don’t think it’s a question what to do at the toss, you have to bowl.
RECOMMENDED BET:
Both sides have a number of issues heading into this game. However, Sri Lanka have looked poor this season and South Africa look too big here at 1.58. I know this South African side have a lot of flaws, but they have some top class batsmen and bowlers that should be able to deal with Sri Lanka. In my opinion Sri Lanka have yet to be tested at this World Cup too – we’ll see how good they are today, but I feel they’ll come up short.
The Edge Says:
Two points win South Africa to beat Sri Lanka at 1.58 with BETDAQ Exchange.
View the market here -> https://bit.ly/BDQSASL
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
Scoring has definitely been low at Sharjah, and I’d want to support the team bowling first. That’s definitely appeared to be an edge here – scoring has been tough and given this is a day game there won’t be dew. Batting second gives the option of hitting a six with the short boundary to get the run rate required down – I know this is a lot easier said than done, however the games have definitely gone that way. I feel South Africa are the much stronger team here, but conditions could help Sri Lanka if they bowled first – if South Africa bowl first I can see this being very one sided.
ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA
MATCH OVERVIEW:
We move to Dubai for the second game today as England take on Australia. There’s been a feeling on social media that this tournament has yet to take off, however games don’t come much bigger than England v Australia! We lacked drama when Pakistan beat India easily here earlier in the tournament, and perhaps now we’ll get a final ball winner between these two! Both sides come into this fixture with two from two games. As I said above, the other sides in Group 1 will be cheering for England here given the net run rate situation. England have hammered West Indies and Bangladesh to have a net run rate of 3.614. That basically means that they can afford to lose this and still be in a brilliant position.
The same can’t be said about Australia however, hence why the other sides will be hoping England win – a loss for Australia would bring them right back into the mix with the winner of South Africa and Sri Lanka earlier in the day. England have looked one of the best sides in the tournament though, and at the moment it looks like they don’t have a weakness. Their batting is always top quality, and their bowlers have arrived in peak form. You could say that they haven’t been tested yet though as they have only played West Indies and Bangladesh.
It was massive for Australia to see David Warner score 65 runs off 42 balls against Sri Lanka. That totally eases the pressure on him, and Aaron Finch also chipped it with 37 runs off 23 balls. If they could stay in form then the Australian side who look much stronger. Maxwell missed out on runs, but he was exceptional in the IPL. England have no issues with the bat! We’re all set for a cracking game here.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
Australia chased down Sri Lanka’s 154/5 here easily the other day with 18 balls remaining. I know we have yet to really see a “par score” but I’m still of the opinion that 170 is par here. I haven’t seen anything to change my mind, it’s just the games have worked out a certain way that we can’t be sure what a par score is. Pakistan chased India’s score very easily too, and I reckon bowling first is a slight edge here – there isn’t much in it though, as this looks the best ground for batting from the three grounds in the UAE.
RECOMMENDED BET:
Although I really rate England, and they should go deep in this World Cup – I do disagree with the market here. Betting is all about getting value, and Australia look the value here at 2.32. England look too short with conditions pretty even for both sides and if Australia’s openers can continue their good form then they have a very strong side. Their middle order looks just as solid as England’s and this game is going to come down to who bowls better on the day. This is England’s first big test, I’m looking forward to seeing how they do!
The Edge Says:
One point win Australia to beat England at 2.32 with BETDAQ Exchange.
View the market here -> https://bit.ly/BDQAusEng
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
Both sides look rock solid here with the bat, so I wouldn’t be going against them heavily while batting. I know both bowling attacks have performed well, especially England’s but this will be the best quality batting line-up that both have come up against. I don’t want to take on the Australian openers if they have found their touch again, and perhaps the best in-play angle might be taking on Eoin Morgan who has been struggling right through the IPL. Bowling first has also looked like a little edge here, but as I said above we haven’t really saw a par score yet.
