The Cricket World Cup has set down a steady pace and the early matches keep coming at us. India and Australia open their tournament on Sunday while others are set for their second outings already.
Sunday 8 October
India 57/100 | Tie 25/1 | Australia 29/20 (10:30)
It’s a massive start to the tournament for hosts India who will be out to lay down a marker and stamp their authority on this tournament.
Australia will be out to spoil but their efforts in India prior to the tournament suggest they might be in for a real struggle.
India have the edge when it comes to top-order potency and recent runs while Australia sport an impressive arsenal of all-rounders that give them great flexibility.
Australia will need to avoid doing too much chopping and changing with the ball.
Verdict: India
Australia’s recent outings in South Africa suggest they might not be the all-conquering force of old. The hosts should get the job done.
Monday 9 October
New Zealand 1/16 | Tie 25/1 | Netherlands 17/2 (10:30)
New Zealand started their campaign with an emphatic win over England and come to a ground that saw over 700 runs scored on it over the weekend.
Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra got hundreds in the opening match and should be out to pile misery on the Dutch.
New Zealand need to find a balance between building continuity and managing their workloads with this fixture a chance to rest key players.
The Netherlands have pulled their fair share of upsets off but shouldn’t get the jump on the Black Caps.
Verdict: New Zealand to have the highest opening partnership 5/10
The Black Caps should ease to victory here against a brave, but limited Dutch outfit. No value in the win though, so back them to score the highest opening partnership at 5/10.
Tuesday 10 October
England 21/100 | Tie 25/1 | Bangladesh 7/2 (07:30)
England look to get their campaign back on track after a loss in the tournament opener where they were not quite at their best.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh started well with Shakib al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan putting in star turns.
Bangladesh will be hopeful of getting a massive upset win over England as they did in 2015.
England should get a big reaction after a bit of a misfire of a start to their tournament.
Verdict: England 21/100
England are rightly favourites here and should win. But they’ll be feeling the pressure after that heavy opening defeat.
Tuesday 10 October
Pakistan 47/100 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 7/4 (10:30)
Pakistan are out to get a second win as well and face a team coming off a big loss to start.
Sri Lanka got pummeled by South Africa with their young quicks taking some punishment.
While Sri Lanka stuck to their task admirably in a massive chase they were not good enough in the field first up.
Pakistan will be out to improve on a performance that will make their fans glad they faced the Netherlands.
Verdict: Pakistan 47/100
An improved performance from this talented Pakistani outfit should see them getting the better of Sri Lanka.
