The Super 12s participants were settled in the final match of the preliminary group round with Zimbabwe the last team to book a spot. Sri Lanka and Ireland have joined Group 1 while Zimbabwe and the Netherlands have been added to Group 2 which now sports a decidedly softer look.
Saturday 22 October
Australia 47/100 | Tie 25/1 | New Zealand 7/4 (09:00
Australia and New Zealand kick off the Super 12s phase and it will be the latter that come into this match as underdogs.
New Zealand didn’t really fire in a home T20 series before losing a blowout warmup match against South Africa.
Australia were competitive in a losing effort against England and arguably gained an inside track with their series against one of the tournament favourites.
Cameron Green is in fashion as an opener and his partnership with David Warner could be crucial to Australia’s hopes.
The hosts have the edge and should get their campaign underway with a win.
England 2/15 | Tie 25/1 | Afghanistan 51/10 (13:00)
England have already zeroed in on Rashid Khan as the key man from the opposition and indicated they will go after the maestro.
Chasing a second T20 World Cup title, England are among the favourites powered by the batting of Jos Buttler.
Dawid Malan has also been Mr consistency for England in this format and is the man to guide them through a crisis.
Hazratullah Zazai is somebody England’s bowlers will want to keep quiet but their lower order should not be underestimated.
The tournament favourites should blow Afghanistan away. More value on England to get the highest opening partnership at 11/20.
Sunday 23 October
Sri Lanka 37/100 | Tie 25/1 | Ireland 22/10 (05:00)
Sri Lanka and Ireland have both won back to back after opening match losses and will feel that they ‘need’ to win this match to set up a real last-four push.
The opening match defeat to Namibia was a wake-up call for Sri Lanka who have since found a much higher level.
Ireland have reached their primary goal for the T20 World Cup but will take a lot from their win over the West Indies.
The Irish have the benefit of having played all of their matches so far in Hobart.
Sri Lanka have looked impressive since their opening Group Stage loss and are tipped to get the win over Ireland.
India 52/100 | Tie 25/1 | Pakistan 31/20 (10:00)
India and Pakistan bring their box office rivalry to the big stage as the MCG hosts the big one at full capacity.
The MCG is going to be the focus of the cricket world on Sunday and is going to be absolutely pumping.
Pakistan have won the most recent clash between the sides in T20 cricket with a victory at the Asia Cup.
India knocked over Pakistan in the Asia Cup opener before losing later in the tournament and will hope to catch Babar Azam and company cold.
India look the much better outfit but you can’t count Pakistan out. I’ll be on the Rohit Sharma and his charges, however.
Bangladesh vs Netherlands | T20 World Cup Super 12s Group 2 | Monday 24 October 2022 | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 06:00
Monday 24 October
Bangladesh 26/100 | Tie 25/1 | Netherlands 29/10 (06:00)
Bangladesh have been given a kind schedule with their first match against an associate team but they still need to get the result.
The Netherlands were given no hope of reaching this phase but overcame albeit with an assist from the UAE.
Bangladesh have terrible recent form and need to get back to winning ways having lost 18 of their last 20 T20Is.
The Netherlands should fancy an upset and they themselves won’t be too unhappy with their opponents.
I’m on the Dutch to score the first big upset of the competition here.
South Africa 1/9 | Tie 25/1 | Zimbabwe 57/10 (10:00)
South Africa vs Zimbabwe | T20 World Cup Super 12s Group 2 | Monday 24 October 2022 | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 10:00
Zimbabwe produced a surprising preliminary group performance that booked them this match against their neighbours.
South Africa must also guard against complacency given the one-sided nature of T20Is between these nations.
The Proteas need to use this game to get themselves into a good rythym but should be happy to have won their only warm-up.
Its forecast to be a wet day in Hobart and the matches on Sunday could be hit by rain.
The South Africans will be too good here.
