The Super 12 matches at the ICC T20 World Cup get underway this weekend with Saturday and Sunday doubleheaders. South Africa take on Australia while England battle the West Indies on Saturday before matches between Asian nations take centre stage on Sunday with the massive India vs Pakistan fixture preceded by Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh.
Australia vs South Africa | 23 October | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abi Dhabi | 12:00
To Win Match
Australia 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 23/20
Australia haven’t had the best preparation but always seem to reserve their best for facing South Africa.
The Proteas will be equally motivated to not only get one over on their old foe but also start their T20 World Cup with a win that will stretch their T20I streak.
South Africa have a massive injury concern with Tabraiz Shamsi in a race to be fit for this match. If Shamsi is not fit both Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin are likely to play in the opener.
After an impressive IPL Josh Hazlewood has leapfrogged the other pacemen in the group and should be one of the first names on Australia’s team sheet. Australia’s spin attack will be spearheaded by Aston Agar and Adam Zampa.
Verdict: South Africa 23/20
The Proteas have enjoyed the ideal prep for this tournament and are red-hot in terms of their T20 form.
England vs West Indies | 23 October | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 16:00
To Win Match
England 67/100 | Tie 25/1 | West Indies 5/4
England stumbled in their warm-up against India before putting New Zealand away but look comfortable favourites for this one.
The West Indies have a way of turning things on come tournament time but they haven’t looked in great touch in the warm-ups and their T20I form is patchy at best.
England come in as one of the tournament favourites despite the absence of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer and the mediocre batting form of skipper Eoin Morgan.
The Windies lost Fabian Allen before the tournament started which has left them to play a balancing act between bat and ball.
Verdict: England 72/100
Even without two key players, England should get over the line here with minimal fuss.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | 24 October | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 12:00
To Win Match
Sri Lanka | Tie 25/1 | Bangladesh *prices TBA
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh came through round one in contrasting style with the former booking their place after two rounds while the latter needed to win and wait for other results earlier this week.
Bangladesh have played progressively better but their opponents were also progressively weaker and Sri Lanka represent a significant step up.
The Tigers will need to target the Sri Lanka top order to take away any platform built for their in-form finishers.
Sri Lanka don’t need to look far to find Bangladesh’s dangerman, Shakib-al-Hasan, who has played a prominent role in their progress.
Verdict: Sri Lanka
The islanders looked far better Round 1 and should be afforded respect here.
India vs Pakistan | 24 October | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 16:00
To Win Match
India 52/100 | Tie 25/1 | Pakistan 31/20
A box office end to the weekend awaits as India prepare to face Pakistan in cricket’s fiercest rivalry on the T20 World Cup stage.
India have a squad full of match-fit players, while Pakistan will hope that their National T20 Cup made up for the Black Caps and England tour withdrawals.
Pakistan’s threats are clear with a dangerous top-order staffed by skipper Babar Azam and in-form batters like Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman.
India, meanwhile, have no obvious weaknesses other than playing with the weight of expectation on their shoulders.
Verdict: India 52/100
The entire Indian squad are match-fit and raring to go. Bar any spectacular missteps, India will win this.
Afghanistan vs Scotland | 25 October | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 16:00
To Win Match
Afghanistan | Tie 25/1 | Scotland * betting TBA
In a battle of the dark horses, these familiar foes go at it once again but this time on the biggest stage.
Scotland have won four T20 World Cup matches in a row heading into this and Afghanistan’s full member status will count for little.
Rashid Khan resigned the captaincy ahead of the World Cup and for obvious reasons their preparation has not been ideal, but Afghanistan did beat the West Indies in their final warm-up match.
Scotland are a dangerous side with George Munsey threatening big things up front and Richie Berrington in fine form.
Verdict: Afghanistan
The Afghans will be familiar with conditions and should strangle Scotland’s batsmen with their excellent attack.
