The Three Big Questions
Next big upset at the Cup?
See our suggested multi today featuring upsets in both today’s games. They’re probably more heart than head, so we’re looking at the West Indies as the side most capable of upsetting more favoured opponents. Their next two matches are against South Africa and India and they could spring a surprise in one or both of those. In particular, the match against India at the WACA is a great opportunity for their tall timbers to make things uncomfortable for their batsman.
Who is the most frugal bowler in the World Cup so far?
There are a few one games conceding only two runs per over, but of the bowlers who have bowed more than 10 overs, New Zealand’s Danile Vettori leads the way, giving away only 3.03 runs per over. He’s followed by Mirwais Ashraf (3.66), Paul Stirling (3.75) and Mohammed Shami (3.82) in a list that gives no indication as to which type of bowler is having the greatest run-rate impact in the tournament whatsoever.
Which batsman is doing the most damage per balls faced?
Our weird way of asking who has the highest strike rate in the tournament is answered by the name, Andre Russell. The West Indian Mr T lookalike is striking at an impressive 265.38 from his 26 balls thus far; proving a real point of difference at the end of an innings for a West Indian tam that have scored in excess of 300 in all of their efforts to date. Brad Haddin (221.42), last night’s hero Kevin O’Brien (192.3) and Brendon McCullum (182.55) finish off the list.
Today’s Matchup
1. Scotland v Afghanistan, University Oval (Dunedin – partly cloudy), starts 11:00am local time
Scotland – $2.35
Afghanistan – $1.59
Afghanistan start as favourites for match 17 of the Cricket World Cup, against the struggling Scotland lads. They’re favourites because they lead the head to head 5-3, although Scotland got the better of them at the time of last trying, a big win by 150 runs in Abu Dhabi. Scotland’s World Cup woes against England and NZ have also seen them lose popularity amongst punters and bookies. Scotland are desperate to overturn their disappointing returns with the willow, and may have been eyeing a sub-continent side as a reducing their concerns against pace bowling. But, Afghanistan quickies are some of the best going around so it won’t be easy to escape the barrage.
2. Sri Lanka v Bangladesh
Sri Lanka – $1.22
Bangladesh – $4.35
The World Cup tale of the two Asian sides in the day’s second match has been vastly different. Bangladesh were impressive in their only appearance in the tournament, whereas their rivals have been very poor. A loss to New Zealand was followed up with a nail-fittingly close win over Afghanistan; a win that failed to instill confidence in anyone watching. Mahela Jayawardene was the obvious plus, but he always is and always has been. They have always (perhaps too much so) relied on Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Dilshan, and that reliance is proving to be to their detriment. Sri Lanka need contributions from more of the squad if they are to get up and beat a Bangladesh side desperate to get into the quarter-finals and buoyed after the bonus point they gained from the Brisbane washout.
Today’s Bet
The Day 13 Double Upset Multi
Bangladesh and Scotland To Win – $9.57
Odds from Luxbet.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
