South Africa and the West Indies kick off a Tuesday double-header with a busy week of T20 World Cup cricket ahead. Pakistan will also be testing their championship credentials against a New Zealand team looking to right a poor record in the UAE.
South Africa vs West Indies | 26 October | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 12:00
To Win Match
South Africa 92/100 | Tie 25/1 | West Indies 92/100
Despite being only the second match for both these sides the nature of the Super 12s makes this a virtual must-win for both the Proteas and the Windies.
South Africa went down in a tense low-scoring thriller against Australia first up while the West Indies suffered a catastrophic batting failure and received a hiding from England.
Quinton de Kock could prove the key man after a freak dismissal against Australia, he should remedy the walking about the crease that led to his wicket and South Africa’s collapse.
The West Indies will have a point to prove and if the recent series between these two sides is anything to go by this should be a tightly contested encounter.
Verdict: West Indies 92/100
You worry for the Proteas if de Kock doesn’t come off. His form in the warm-ups and the first Super 12s match hasn’t been encouraging. The West Indies edge this for me.
Pakistan vs New Zealand | 26 October 2021 | Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah | 16:00
To Win Match
Pakistan 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | New Zealand 23/20
Pakistan are riding high after a stunning victory over India and will look to maintain their dominance over New Zealand in the UAE.
The Black Caps have won just one of seven matches in the country but are playing their first T20I in Sharjah.
Both sides sport impressive bowling attacks, but it remains to be seen what sort of touch New Zealand’s top order are in.
Pakistan will be confident, but their middle order went untested against India with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam in imposing form. The removal of that opening pair in smart fashion should be the Black Caps’ priority.
Verdict: Pakistan 72/100
It’s hard to look past Pakistan after their historic demolition job against India.
England vs Bangladesh | 27 October 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 12:00
To Win Match
England 26/100 | Tie 25/1 | Bangladesh 29/10
England and Bangladesh are in very different spaces in this tournament, with the Tigers looking wobbly and the Three Lions dominant.
Bangladesh might hope the conditions prove to be an equalising factor but will need a big effort to overcome favourites England.
For England the weather might prove the ultimate foe as they are exposed to the afternoon sun in Abu Dhabi, but they are a world-class professional outfit.
With dew not a factor, England would need to have a bad day for Bangladesh to overcome.
Verdict: England 26/100
While Bangladesh can pose a threat in UAE conditions, they’ll need a monumental effort to overcome an England side high on confidence.
Scotland vs Namibia | 27 October 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 16:00
To Win Match
Scotland | Tie 25/1 | Namibia * betting TBA
Scotland and Namibia continue their whirlwind journey in the Super 12s, but take a break from mixing it with the full members for an all-associate battle.
These two sides were picked as dangerous contenders for the Super 12s, but neither will want to give up the unlikely dream of a World Cup semi-final just yet.
Former Proteas allrounder David Wiese brings valuable experience to a Namibia team who have come on in leaps and bounds in T20 cricket.
Scotland’s team is loaded with experienced campaigners which should give them the edge.
Verdict: Scotland
There is no replacement for experience when it comes to tournament cricket, and Scotland possess it in spades. Back them to get the job done against the Namibians.
Australia vs Sri Lanka | 28 October 2021 | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 16:00
To Win Match
Australia 42/100 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 39/20
Australia might have fancied this fixture a little more a few months back but now go up against an increasingly confident and dangerous Sri Lanka.
The Australia pace attack will want to bring the fire early to remind Sri Lanka why they don’t like facing the men from Downunder.
The promotion of Charith Asalanka has worked a treat for Sri Lanka and he looks a good bet at number three, while skipper Dasun Shanaka has shown a willingness to tweak the batting order to gain an advantage.
Australia won’t be thrilled with their chase last time out which, despite eventual victory, did little to dispel the theory that they are prone to collapse when placed under any sort of pressure.
Verdict: Sri Lanka 39/20
A bit of a left-field call, but if Sri Lanka’s attack can get on top of a wobbly Australian top and middle order, they could get the job done.
