There have already been two huge upsets in this Cricket World Cup and there should be plenty of intrigue this week. The hosts are in action in midweek ahead of a blockbuster weekend.
Australia will also be out to rescue their campaign after a poor start seemed to come right last time out.
Wednesday 18 October
New Zealand 29/100 | Tie 25/1 | Afghanistan 11/4 (10:30)
New Zealand look like strong contenders for the semi-finals and higher honours yet again after an appearance in the final of the last two World Cups.
They face an Afghanistan side fresh off a huge upset win over defending world champions England and that confidence could be the key.
The Chennai pitch hasn’t seen the biggest scores during its two matches to date with no team making it beyond 250 batting first.
It is worth noting that the chasing side has won comfortably in the last two outings in Chennai while Australia beat India pre-tournament with a score of 269 which is a good score on the strip right now.
Verdict: New Zealand 29/100
The Afghans will be buzzing, but I reckon the Black Caps should have their number here.
Thursday 19 October
India 1/9 | Tie 25/1 | Bangladesh 57/10 (10:30)
India must be wary of the upset bug that is going around this Cricket World Cup but the pressure of their fans intense scrutiny should ward off complacency.
Rohit Sharma has started the tournament well and should be out to lead by example for his India charges.
Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan finds himself pulling double duty as the inspirational skipper looks to lift his team with bat and ball alike.
The incredible economy rates of the India bowlers have so far flown under the radar and we don’t expect that Bangladesh will be the team to get hold of them.
Verdict: India to get the highest opening partnership 9/20
I think the Indians will bounce back in a big way here. No value on the win so back them to get the higher opening partnership at a shade under 5/10.
Friday 20 October
Australia 52/100 | Tie 25/1 | Pakistan 31/20 (10:30)
Australia and Pakistan have put themselves under pressure with their early results but all is not lost for these groups of players.
Mitch Marsh’s excellent pre-World Cup form hasn’t entirely vanished but Australia need a top-order spark.
Pakistan know exactly who their key batters are but so do Australia and they will zero in on Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.
Australia won their meetings at the 2019 and 2015 World Cups with Pakistan last beating them at the showpiece in Colombo in 2011.
Verdict: Australia 52/100
The Aussies are tipped come away with a vital win on Friday.
