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PREVIEW: T20 World Cup – Super 12s – Matches 17-21

The Super 12s draw to a conclusion in the next week, and we have a pretty good idea of who can still make the semi-finals.

Quinton de Kock - ODI Proteas
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports

England and Pakistan are now the favourites to go all the way, but we still need to find out who will join them in the last four.

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England vs Sri Lanka | T20 World Cup | Monday 1 November 2021 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 16:00

To Win Match

England | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka *prices tba

While England are on the brink of sealing qualification for the last four, Sri Lanka are fighting for their life after defeat last time out.

 

England have won their three games so far with a collective 155 balls to spare, and are yet to experience any real competition.

 

Sri Lanka have played better than many might have expected and look a dangerous side thanks to explosive batsmen and classy spinners.

 

England have bowled first in all three matches but might consider a change in plan in a bid to get more time in the middle for their batters.

 

Verdict: England

 

South Africa vs Bangladesh | T20 World Cup | Tuesday 2 November 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 12:00

To Win Match

South Africa 29/100 | Tie 25/1 | Bangladesh 26/10

South Africa face Bangladesh in a match they have to win to keep the pressure on Australia and England.

 

The Proteas head into the match holding second with their net run rate superior to Australia’s by virtue of the hammering the men from Downunder took from England.

 

Bangladesh retain an outside shot at the semi-finals but would need a whole lot of results to go their way. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup with a hamstring injury

 

South Africa’s bowlers have been their match-winners with Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada playing important roles.

Verdict: South Africa 29/100

The Proteas are tipped to build on their recent good results. 

Pakistan vs Namibia | T20 World Cup | Tuesday 2 November 2021 | Tuesday 2 November 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 16:00

To Win Match

Pakistan 1/16 | Tie 25/1 | Namibia 9/1

Pakistan will be eager to put Namibia away to effectively clinch a spot in the semi-finals.

 

Babar Azam’s team cannot afford to lose focus and underestimate Namibia.

 

Shaheen Afridi is an early candidate for player of the tournament, being nearly unplayable in the powerplay.

 

Namibia’s own left-armer Ruben Trumpelmann has advertised his services effectively and could very well bag himself a spot in a franchise team or two. 

Verdict: Pakistan 1/16

There’s only one winner here. 

New Zealand vs Scotland | T20 World Cup | Wednesday 3 November 2021 | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 12:00 

To Win Match

New Zealand 1/14 | Tie 25/1 | Scotland

After beating India to get their campaign on track the Black Caps face a potential banana skin in Scotland.

 

The Scots have struggled in the Super 12s but remain a dangerous opponent especially for the teams fighting for semi-final spots.

 

Trent Boult was brilliant against India leading a disciplined Black Caps attack that will now be charged with keeping Scotland from getting into the game.

 

New Zealand might benefit from some time out in the middle so this might be a good toss to lose for Kane Williamson. 

 

Verdict: New Zealand 1/14

The Black Caps won’t slip up against the brave Scots. 

India vs Afghanistan | T20 World Cup | Wednesday 3 November 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 16:00 

To Win Match

India 1/5 | Tie 25/1 | Afghanistan 36/10

India face high-flying Afghanistan in a match that could determine the fate of both sides.

 

Afghanistan could set up a virtual quarterfinal with New Zealand this weekend with victory over India.

 

Virat Kohli’s legacy as T20 skipper is on the line as he has already announced he will relinquish the captaincy after the tournament.

 

India need their top order to fire and might be a little relieved that Afghanistan don’t have a left-arm quick in their ranks after the damage suffered at the hands of Afridi and Boult.

 

Verdict: India 1/5

The Indians must win here to keep their semi-final hopes alive. 

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