Sunday the 22nd of February sees Match 42, between Sri Lanka and England, taking place in Pallekele and Match 43, with India and South Africa playing in Ahmedabad. We look at these two Super Eights matches from a betting angle and offer up some bets for consideration.
Super Eights Format
With the group stage concluded, the top two teams from each of the four groups move into the Super Eights where you have four teams in each of the two groups. Each team will play three matches and the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
Match 42 – Sri Lanka vs England
Sri Lanka’ s Path to the Super Eights
Sri Lanka finished 2nd in Group B behind Zimbabwe.
They began with two victories, first against Ireland where they won by 20 runs and a convincing win against Oman by 105 runs.
Their 3rd match was against Australia who had posted 181 and they chased this target down with ease, winning by 8 wickets with 12 balls remaining. Pathum Nissanka had an unbeaten century and was named Player of the Match.
In their final Group game they lost to Zimbabwe, after setting a total of 178/7 which Zimbabwe chased down and won by 6 wickets with 3 balls remaining, but Sri Lanka had already guaranteed a Super Eight spot.
England’ s Path to the Super Eights
England finished 2nd to the West Indies in Group C.
They started with a close win over Nepal chasing down their target of 180/6, by 4 runs. Their second match saw them lose by 30 runs to the West Indies.
England recovered to win by 5 wickets with 10 balls remaining against Scotland in their third match, helped by a strong 63* from Tom Banton.
In their final Group match they beat Italy by 24 runs. Will Jacks was named Player of the Match with his 53* and 1/34 and their Super Eights place was secured.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Sri Lanka 2.50
England 1.53
SUGGESTED BETS:
Theekshana Top Sri Lanka wicket taker at 4.75
He is enjoying a good tournament with 6 wickets at an average of just under 20. The 25 year old right arm off-break should thrive as the wickets take more spin as the tournament progresses.
Match Top Bat Harry Brook at 12.00
Brook hasn’t had a great tournament but is a class player and if he gets enough time at the crease I am expecting a big performance.
Match 43 – India vs South Africa
India’ s Path to the Super Eights
India finished top of Group A, winning all four of their matches.
Their wins came against USA where they won by 29 runs and against Namibia with a 93-run victory.
India in their 3rd match, against Pakistan, won by 61 runs and in their final Group match against the Netherlands they set a total of 193/6 winning by 17 runs.
South Africa’ s Path to the Super Eights
South Africa Topped Group D, also unbeaten in their four matches.
They had victories against Canada, winning by 57 runs and then a thrilling victory over Afghanistan after the match was tied, and South Africa won in the 2nd Super Over.
The 3rd match was against New Zealand and South Africa won comfortably by 7 wickets with 27 balls remaining. In their final match against the UAE, they chased down the 122/6 and won by 6 wickets with 40 balls remaining.
BETTING – Click here to bet
India 1.43
South Africa 3.00
SUGGESTED BETS:
South Africa win at 3.00
India are worthy favourites but on their day South Africa can beat anyone and at the price I cannot resist a bet.
Team to score the most Sixes, South Africa at 2.60
I am putting all my eggs in the South African basket here but once again I like the price. There are plenty of rope clearers in this South Africa team and while handling the Indian spin will be tough they also offer opportunities for big hits.
South Africa Top Wicket Taker Marco Jansen at 4.50
His steep bounce can trouble the Indian batsman and he has taken 7 wickets at an average of just 16 runs so far.
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
