The T20 World Cup group stage nears its conclusion with a handful of teams having already clinched their place in the Super Eights. James Richardson previews matches 22-28
Tuesday 11 June
Pakistan 1/9 | Tie 25/1 | Canada 57/10 (16:30)
With two losses to start their T20 World Cup, Pakistan must beat Canada and then Ireland, and dramatically improve their net run rate in the process, and hope one of India or the USA slips up.
Canada came back from a loss to USA in the tournament opener when they secured a run win over Ireland to remain in the mix for progression.
Canada come into the match better-placed thanks to the batting of Nicholas Kirton but they will need to weather a storm from Pakistan.
There will be an inquest into this failure if Pakistan bomb out at the group stage.
Verdict: Pakistan 1/9
Pakistan really should be getting the better of this Canadian outfit. I’ll take them to hit the most match sixes for a bit more value at 7/20.
Wednesday 12 June
Sri Lanka 1/9 | Tie 25/1 | Nepal 57/10 (01:30)
Sri Lanka need to record massive wins against Nepal and the Netherlands and then hope that rain ruins the Bangladesh–Netherlands clash on 13 June.
Nepal still has three matches up their sleeve, which means their fate is largely in their own hands.
However, Nepal will probably need to win all of their matches in hand which will be an extremely difficult task.
Sri Lanka will have been disappointed with this effort from what looked like a good squad.
Verdict: Sri Lanka 1/9
Sri Lanka should be too good here.
Australia 1/50 | Tie 25/1 | Namibia 15/1 (02:30)
Australia are two from two and looking strong in their group, as exemplified by their win over England.
Another victory in the match against Namibia and Australia will be sitting pretty and likely through to the next round.
Namibia are alive in Group B but it only gets tougher for them from here with Australia followed by England as their opponents to come.
Australia have used their all-rounders well and stars like Marcus Stoinis will be key to them coming through the group.
Verdict: Australia highest opening partnership 7/20
Very little value in backing the Aussies to win. Instead, take them to enjoy a higher opening-wicket stand.
USA 7/1 | Tie 25/1 | India 1/12 (16:30)
India are well on their way to progressing through to the Super Eights phase of the competition.
Another good result against either the USA or in their final game against Canada will likely seal the deal for the favourites.
After an unblemished start, the co-hosts USA will require just one more win to secure progression.
Next up for the surging minnows, it will be India in New York, followed by a clash with Ireland in Florida, which looms as the crucial blockbuster.
Verdict: Rohit Sharma over 0.5 sixes 5/10
We’re on the hunt for value again. Rohit to hit at least one six against a weak bowling attack at 5/10 is the way to go.
Thursday 13 June
West Indies 57/100 | Tie 25/1 | New Zealand 14/10 (02:30)
The West Indies have started strong by taking care of both Papua New Guinea and Uganda but they now enter the tougher phase.
It seems that they will need to beat either New Zealand or Afghanistan to finally clinch their place in the last eight.
They play both their remaining matches at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.
New Zealand’s big loss to Afghanistan could prove costly unless they can go three-from-three against the West Indies, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea, which is not out of the question but will take some doing.
Verdict: West Indies 57/100
The Windies have hit their straps which spells danger for the rest of the competition.
Bangladesh 34/100 | Tie 25/1 | Netherlands 23/10 (16:30)
Bangladesh missed a golden chance to put themselves in a great position in their loss to South Africa.
At one from two, the Dutch certainly need to beat Bangladesh and then most likely Nepal as well to prevent the Tigers from taking the second spot in the group.
If Bangladesh win this one they will be all but through to the next phase barring something of a miracle for the Dutch.
The Netherlands will put themselves in the frame if they can win against Bangladesh and follow it up against Nepal.
Verdict: Bangladesh 34/10
Bangladesh should have too much firepower for a brave Dutch outfit.
England 1/20 | Tie 25/1 | Oman 9/1 (21:00)
England are firmly up against it in Group B as they languish in fourth place with no wins from their opening two matches.
England were among the pre-tournament favourites but they need to get a result here and cannot afford another washout.
Oman can’t make it to the next stage, having already lost three matches and this being their last hurrah.
England need a win above all else in this to keep things alive going into their final clash against Namibia.
Verdict: England 1/20
England should win this at a canter. Wait for closer to the game for the rest of the markets to open up to find a bit of value.
