Washouts and upsets mean that both Super 12s groups are pretty much wide open, with nobody guaranteed a place in the final four. James Richardson previews matches 25-30 as the race for the semi-finals reaches its crescendo.
Friday 4 November
Ireland 57/10 | Tie 25/1 | New Zealand 1/9 (06:00)
Ireland would need to hand New Zealand an almighty thumping to reach the semi-finals but remain mathematically in the race.
New Zealand are on top of the tree but, that counts for little given both Australia and England start the day on the same amount of points as the Black Caps.
This is do or die for New Zeaand’s campaign but Ireland have already been a banana skin for a big side after their win over England.
New Zealand were well beaten by a motivated England last time out but should right themselves and clinch a spot early in the day.
The Black Caps’ quality should shine through here.
Australia 1/9 | Tie 25/1 | Afghanistan 11/2 (10:00)
Afghanistan are out of the running for the last four while Australia need at least one other result go their way.
Australia will also be out to improve their net run rate which means they should be as ruthless as they come in this contest.
They will either need New Zealand to slip up against Ireland or Sri Lanka to beat England to prevent the log from being settled by NRR.
Australia haven’t quite fired and will hope that the weather plays its part after a disrupted tournament.
The Aussies should win pretty comfortably.
Sri Lanka vs England | Group 1 | Saturday 5 November 2022 | The Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 10:00
Saturday 5 November
Sri Lanka 31/10 | Tie 25/1 | England 24/100 (10:00)
England are in a good position in the semi-final race as they play last and will know exactly what they need to do to qualify.
Sri Lanka will know if they still have a shot at the last four as well which might also play out in England’s favour in their motivation is removed.
England have hit their straps after a slow start and ,a rain-hit loss to Ireland and the form of their batters is key.
They have also done enough at the death with the ball to win matches although they do like to employ a bit of scoreboard pressure.
England have shown that they can be beaten in this tournament, but I reckon they just get over the line against Sri Lanka.
Sunday 6 November
South Africa | Tie 25/1 | Netherlands (02:00)
Despite their loss to Pakistan, South Africa still have their fate in their own hands provided we get a full contest in at the Adelaide Oval.
South Africa are heavy favourites to thump a Netherlands side who are winless in the Super 12s.
A win will put South Africa out of reach of the other teams but the semi-final lineup cannot be confirmed until the final Super 12s contest.
South Africa need a strong response after a limp performance against Pakistan and Temba Bavuma could really use more runs after a good performance on Thursday.
The Proteas will win this and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Pakistan | Tie 25/1 | Bangladesh (06:00)
Pakistan start the weekend outside of the top two but an NRR superior to that of India puts them in good position to put pressure on their great rivals.
Bangladesh haven’t got the results that their performances have deserved as they ran India close.
They also have an outside shot at making the last four but, Bangladesh need both the other games to see upsets or a very big win over Pakistan.
Pakistan hit top form against South Africa and will take some stopping, but that loss to Zimbabwe could still come back to haunt them.
If repeating their performance against the Proteas, Pakistan should win this.
Zimbabwe 15/2 | Tie 25/1 | India 1/14 (10:00)
India need only to win this match to secure their place in the last four while Zimbabwe would likely need South Africa to lose to the Netherlands to keep them in the race and see Pakistan and Bangladesh have their match rained off.
Likely Zimbabwe won’t be in the race come Sunday but, India definitely will be.
India might only have to clear a low bar of avoiding heavy defeat but they will want to win this match.
Momentum will be vital heading into the semi-finals.
India should win this with minimal fuss.
