Five teams are chasing two places in the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup. South Africa and India have clinched their places with New Zealand and Australia looking favoured.
Australia vs Afghanistan | Cricket World Cup Match 39 | Tuesday 7 November 2023 |Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 10:30
Tuesday 7 November 2023
Australia 1/9| Tie 25/1 | Afghanistan 57/10 (10:30)
Australia can nail down their semi-final spot against an Afghanistan outfit also chasing a top-four finish.
Australia could still qualify even if they fail to win either of their remaining matches.
Afghanistan still have their fate in their own hands but a loss to Australia will mean that they will be left to do extensive calculations in their final match.
Australia will be out to regain their momentum and get a roll going into the semi-finals and should be the team that takes this one.
Verdict: Australia 1/9
The Aussies have hit their straps and should have the measure of Afghanistan.
Wednesday 8 November 2023
England 1/9 | Tie 25/1 | Netherlands 57/10 (10:30)
A total dead rubber sees England face the Netherlands with pride and Champions Trophy places up for grabs.
England will want to finish a disastrous campaign on a high but they look a vulnerable unit.
David Willey might be set to play his final international for England in this match.
The Netherlands could pull off another upset to leave the Cricket World Cup with a pair of big scalps.
Verdict: England 1/9
I’m tempted to have a little go on the Dutch, but my head is telling me that England really should win this.
Thursday 9 November
New Zealand 23/100 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 33/10 (10:30)
New Zealand need to improve their Net Run Rate to strengthen their Cricket World Cup semi-final case.
The Black Caps have gone off the boil but still should have enough in the tank to get beyond Sri Lanka.
The form of Rachin Ravindra will be a big boost to New Zealand but problems with their bowling remain a great concern.
Sri Lanka are out of the running for the semi-finals after a loss to Bangladesh last time out.
Verdict: New Zealand 23/100
The Black Caps are tipped to bag the win.
Friday 10 November
South Africa | Tie 25/1 | Afghanistan (10:30) betting TBA
South Africa will be out to finish the round-robin stage with a win even if their place in the last four is secured and they are extremely unlikely to face red-hot India in the semis.
Afghanistan will be in the hunt for a semi-final place regardless of other results and this looks set to be the match of the week.
It will be a real test of Afghanistan’s progress and their bowling attack’s skills in the conditions.
The World Cup has thrown up different types of surfaces but Afghanistan should be competitive.
Verdict: South Africa
The Proteas are tipped to grab the win.
