The matches over the coming days could define the Cricket World Cup with several big clashes. James Richardson previews matches 26-30.
Pakistan face falling off the World Cup pace if they can’t win against South Africa, while New Zealand are out to keep their momentum going against Trans-Tasman opponents.
India can kill off England’s hopes and the Netherlands and Bangladesh need wins to stay in it, and the same goes for Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Friday 27 October
Pakistan 31/20 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 52/100 (10:30)
South Africa can move to the top of the Cricket World Cup log if they can beat Pakistan.
Despite some disappointing results, Pakistan can get right back into the contest with a win that would put them in the top four.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan haven’t been as dominant as Pakistan have needed them to be.
South Africa, meanwhile, has one of the form batting lineups of the tournament.
Verdict: South Africa 52/100
The Proteas are red-hot at the moment and are tipped to come good against a Pakistan outfit who haven’t quite hit their straps.
Saturday 28 October
Australia 62/100 | Tie 25/1 | New Zealand 13/10 (07:00)
David Warner has done enough to keep Australia in the hunt for Cricket World Cup glory.
The Australians eagerly await the return of Travis Head, which could change this tea,
Two of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers are set to feature in this match in Australia’s Adam Zampa and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner.
Australia’s quicks have been disappointing while New Zealand have fallen back on the performances of Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson.
Verdict: New Zealand 13/10
The Black Caps have been phenomenal in this World Cup and will be confident of pipping their trans-Tasman rivals here.
Saturday 28 October
Netherlands 39/20 | Tie 25/1 | Bangladesh 42/100 (10:30)
The Netherlands got their big win against South Africa but have lost all four of their other matches.
Bangladesh also have just one win to their names and they need a win to stay in the semi-final hunt.
Mahmadullah Riyad has looked good for Bangladesh, but they need the top order to do more.
Verdict: Bangladesh 42/100
Tough one to call here, but you’d expect Bangladesh to have enough to get over the line.
Sunday 29 October
India 46/100 | Tie 25/1 | England 7/4 (10:30)
India remain unbeaten while England are reeling from a string of losses that have them on the brink of elimination.
Another loss will leave England needing a miracle to advance, but this match might be what they need to get back on track.
Jasprit Bumrah is having a brilliant World Cup after being in doubt for the build-up.
Dawid Malan has led the way for the England batting, but they have been woefully short on runs.
Verdict: India 46/100
India all day here. England have been woeful and should be put the sword by the hosts.
Monday 30 October
Afghanistan 13/10 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 62/100 (10:30)
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have each claimed two wins out of five but could announce a semi-final push with a win here.
Both teams have beaten England in this tournament, with Sri Lanka doing it last time out.
Afghanistan got a huge result with a win over Pakistan when they last took to the field.
The team that wins this will have position and momentum and could reach the last four.
Verdict: Sri Lanka 62/100
Sri Lanka will be full of confidence here following their comprehensive walloping of England. Get on!
