A few sides have been eliminated from the running for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, but so far only Pakistan have secured their place in the last four. It's getting really tight and tense for the teams still in the running with the knowledge that one defeat could derail their campaign
Australia vs Bangladesh | 4 November | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 12:00
To Win Match
Australia 2/13 | Tie 25/1 | Bangladesh 46/10
Australia faces a Bangladesh side that retains no hope of progressing to the last four but must be wary of the Tigers.
Bangladesh won the last T20I series against Australia and have shown glimpses of brilliance in this tournament without being able to string it together.
Australia will want David Warner to find his best form to give them a chance of blasting into the last four.
Bangladesh will miss the experience of Shakib-al-Hasan who has gone home injured.
Verdict: Australia 2/13
Bangladesh appear a bit rudderless without Shakib in the side. Australia are tipped to take full advantage.
West Indies vs Sri Lanka | 4 November | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 16:00
To Win Match
West Indies 62/100 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 27/20
Neither side has covered themselves in glory to date but while Sri Lanka cannot make the semi-finals, the West Indies have a slim chance.
The Windies will need to win this game and their final Super 12s encounter with Australia on the weekend to have any chance of sneaking through and keeping their title defence alive.
Sri Lanka have run both Australia and South Africa close and cannot be underestimated thanks to the unearthing of exciting talents like Charith Asalanka.
The West Indies will need their core of veterans to step up and show they’ve still got what it takes to compete with the best.
Verdict: West Indies 62/100
With more to play for, the Windies’ experience should come to the fore and see them home against an improving Sri Lankan outfit.
New Zealand vs Namibia | 5 November | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 12:00
To Win Match
New Zealand 1/16 | Tie 25/1 | Namibia 9/1
It’s another contender vs the eliminated match as New Zealand look to keep their noses in front of India in the race to join Pakistan in the last four.
Martin Guptill came good in spectacular fashion for New Zealand last time out but they have major concerns over the lack of runs scored at this tournament.
Namibia have been plucky and earned much praise throughout the tournament but they won’t want to go down with a whimper.
David Wiese, JJ Smit and Ruben Trumpelmann have all been standout performers for Namibia.
Verdict: New Zealand 1/16
The Black Caps should cruise in here. For more value, back New Zealand to have the higher opening partnership at 4/10.
India vs Scotland | 5 November | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 16:00
To Win Match
India 1/25 | Tie 25/1 | Scotland 1/11
India will be praying for a Black Caps slip up in the earlier match on Friday, but if it doesn’t come to fruition they will need to win to avoid being eliminated from the competition.
Virat Kohli’s team roared back into life with an emphatic victory over Afghanistan on Tuesday but will need to keep that roll going over a Scotland side playing for pride.
Pride will serve as sufficient motivation for a team that has ambitions of mixing it with cricket’s big boys on a more regular basis.
Scotland will need to bowl well to put some pressure on a focused India unit.
Verdict: India 1/25
India will win this, and they’ll want to win convincingly in order to further improve their net run rate.
