THURSDAY T20 WORLD CUP: The Edge previews Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The T20 World Cup continues on Betdaq Exchange on Thursday as co-hosts Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe in Colombo to decide top spot in Group B. Of course, the massive story at the World Cup this week came from Tuesday as Zimbabwe confirmed their place in the Super 8s after their game against Ireland was washed out in Pallekele – Australia, the 2021 champions and one of the pre-tournament favourites, knocked out. Australia are out is because of Zimbabwe of course – the shock of the tournament in Colombo last Friday as Zimbabwe posted 169/2 thanks to Brian Bennett’s classy 64 not out and then their bowlers absolutely demolished Australia. Blessing Muzarabani produced career-best figures of 4/17 – ripping out the top order and Australia were bowled out for 146, never looking close to chasing the target after being reduced to 29/4 in the powerplay.
This is the first time Zimbabwe have progressed to the Super 8 stage of a World Cup. They missed the 2024 T20 World Cup entirely after losing to Uganda in qualifying – that’s quite the turnaround. This game can be viewed as a celebration for the two sides now! Zimbabwe didn’t qualify for the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups either – it’s been a brutal eight years for Zimbabwe cricket. One of the great scenes from the Australian win was Brendan Taylor, now 40 years old and back from a retirement, was sitting on the side lines in full match kit with his wicketkeeping pads on despite being ruled out with a hamstring injury.
While that was a slice of history, and a huge shock for Australia, let’s not forget that Sri Lanka also beat the Aussies. That was also a surprise result, especially given how England dominated the hosts on their recent white ball tour too. It will be interesting to see who wins here – I doubt the top sides will be afraid of either at the Super 8 stage.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
Zimbabwe are back in Colombo, the scene where they beat Australia. The pitch here has been slow and spin-friendly for most of the tournament, which will suit both sides to be honest. Sri Lanka obviously know these conditions inside out, but Zimbabwe know what to expect too. The first inning scores here have been 163/6 (won), 182/6 (won), 169/2 (won) and 175/7 (won). It’s obviously paid to bat first, it’s a no brainer to bat first given conditions. Rain has been around Sri Lanka for the last while – the Zimbabwe v Ireland game was washed out in Pallekele on Tuesday – so keep an eye on the radar as always. Sri Lankan weather is very hit-and-miss!
RECOMMENDED BET:
It’s no surprise to see Sri Lanka as favourites here at 1.35. I know both are already through, but this is still a very important game for both sides to keep the momentum going. Zimbabwe have been absolutely brilliant though, and I’d expect a closer game than the odds suggest here to be honest. I do feel that batting first will provide a massive edge, and that will go a long way to deciding the game in my opinion. From a Zimbabwe point of view, you’d have to feel that they have to bat first. Sri Lanka could chase and possibly still get the job done. However, at the odds here I’m happy with a small bet on the side who bats first – either Sri Lanka at 1.35 or Zimbabwe at 3.5.
The Edge Says:
One point win The Side Who Bats First (Sri Lanka 1.35 or Zimbabwe 3.5) with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/WCSrZi
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
It has paid to bat first here, so you’d have to give a big edge to the side batting first. I know Sri Lanka are the favourites, but they haven’t been a major force for a while now so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Zimbabwe spring a surprise should they get to bat first. The spinners will be key in the middle overs of both innings to be honest, and I don’t think you’d go far wrong supporting spinners here – however, I do feel it’s probably best to support the spinners in the second innings as things get tougher. The only thing to majorly watch out for is dew, and of course keep an eye on the radar too.
