The Cricket World Cup qualifier has already thrown up some surprises in the opening days. With a massive prize on the line tension will be high at the venues across Zimbabwe this week.
Tuesday 20 June
Zimbabwe 32/100 | Tie 25/1 | Netherlands 32/10
Zimbabwe put in a confident display in chasing down a decent target in their opening match against Nepal.
Sean Williams and Craig Ervine showed that they could take some shifting on their home wickets.
The Dutch get their campaign underway already needing a positive result to keep pace with the host team.
The visitors will need to find the pace of the wicket quickly and get the most out of the surface if they get the best of the toss.
Verdict: Zimbabwe 23/100
A solid performance in their opener should give the hosts the confidence to make it two wins from two.
Nepal 47/100 | Tie 25/1 | USA 7/4
Both Nepal and the USA lost their opening matches but in contrasting circumstances.
The USA suffered a thumping at the hands of the West Indies while Nepal made a game of their contest with Zimbabwe.
USA have issues with their batters making the most of their time in the middle.
Meanwhile, Nepal look to have a dangerous team assembled given what the conditions are like in Zimbabwe.
Verdict: Nepal 47/100
The Asians are tipped to come good against the North Americans who were underwhelming in their opener.
Wednesday 21 June
Ireland | Tie 25/1 | Scotland *betting tba
Ireland suffered an incredible upset loss against Oman in their first outing that has thrown their group wide open.
Scotland will be out to take advantage of Ireland’s slip and keep them under intense pressure across the 100 overs of the clash.
The lack of explosive batting in the Irish top three is their biggest concern in white-ball cricket and detracts from the depth of their batting and their handy finishers.
Scotland will be out to be positive and make Ireland feel the heat in the Zimbabwe winter.
Verdict: Scotland
The Scots are tipped to twist the knife when they meet their neighbours from across the Irish Sea.
Oman | Tie 25/1 | UAE *betting TBA
Oman have the chance to follow up a sensational opening win with another positive result.
Meanwhile, The UAE will want to bounce back from a caning handed out to them by Sri Lanka first up.
The Oman top order deserves credit for composed batting in a big chase and continues an upward trend for the associate nation.
Oman will take encouragement from three batters going beyond 50 and their experienced middle order got them over the line.
Verdict: Oman
There were plenty of positives from Oman’s opener. I reckon they have the firepower the beat the UAE here.
