There were a couple of upsets early on in the T20 World Cup with both the West Indies and Sri Lanka going down in their first matches. Scotland and Namibia were the teams who produced upset wins while the Netherlands and Zimbabwe produced more expected wins.
Tuesday 18 October
Namibia 52/100 | Tie 25/1 | Netherlands 31/20 (06:00)
This match will likely provide the winner with passage into the Super 12s after both sides notched wins.
Namibia are now the big favourites to win the group, but the Netherlands are familiar foes who have picked up their fair share of wins over the Eagles.
The Netherlands batting very nearly let them down after UAE imploded batting first in their match which suggests they aren’t at the same level as the Southern Africans.
Namibia are definitely up for this tournament and, after their last taste of the Super 12s are out to keep proving their worth.
You simply can’t ignore Namibia here at 52/100. Back them to secure passage into the Super 12s with a win over the Dutch.
Sri Lanka 1/10 | Tie 25/1 | UAE 13/2 (10:00)
A stung Sri Lanka need a response, and they need a big one, but this doesn’t bode well for the UAE.
The UAE were blown away by the Netherlands and will struggle to keep up with a full ICC Member nation whose squad will be in a mood after their stunning loss first up.
Sri Lanka need to be better with bat in hand and could use a significant bump in intensity in the field as well.
The UAE were poor first up but have experienced campaigners at their disposal and won’t lie down for the Lions.
Sri Lanka should win this at a canter. There’s very little value on the straight win. Back Sri Lanka to get the higher opening partnership at 9/20.
Wednesday 19 October
Scotland | Tie 25/1 | Ireland (06:00) *betting tba
A huge win for Scotland first up needs to be followed up with a focused effort against an Ireland side with a chip on their shoulders.
Ireland were outgunned by Zimbabwe who were surprisingly slick for a side lacking in cricket, but it probably helped that they faced another side who have lacked preparation.
Scotland have also not had a lot of games but they are always up for T20 World Cup clashes, and this is the format for shocks.
Harry Tector’s misfire cost Ireland being competitive and he will need to find his best form to keep them in the hunt.
If the two sides’ opening encounters are anything to go by, Scotland should have the measure of Ireland.
West Indies | Tie 25/1 | Zimbabwe (10:00)
The West Indies are in trouble and Zimbabwe are looking good if somewhat lopsided.
Zimbabwe depend on the match-winning qualities of Sikandar Raza who could further his own franchise career with a few more repeats of his heroics against Ireland.
The West Indies have once again arrived at a T20 World Cup in shambles and their ‘we’ll do it on the day approach’ has backfired time and again.
Hobart isn’t conducive to big-scoring matches which could play into Zimbabwe’s hands.
The Windies will be looking for a response here and I’m backing them to come good here.
