Read more for the best odds for today’s game:
What has been the best individual batting performance of the World Cup?
There are three main contenders. Chris Gayle’s double hundred against Zimbabwe, Kumar Sangakkara’s graceful hundred against England, and AB de Villiers freakish effort against the West Indies. Choosing one, it has to be de Villiers. Having taken the time to assess conditions after scoring 19 from his first 18, AB then exploded with a range of shots rarely seen in international cricket. With scant disregard for the whereabouts of his stumps, or the deliveries themselves, de Villers unfurled a bewildering assault on the hapless Windies. He finished on 162* from just 66 balls. His last 67 runs come off just 16 balls.
What has been the best individual bowling performance of the World Cup?
Apart from James Anderson who is swinging it less than Dan Vettori, swing bowlers have enjoyed the conditions on offer in Australia and New Zealand. Late swing is proving incredibly effective against batsman paranoid about scoring rates. Thus, two quality swing bowling performances spring to mind as the best in the tournament. Tim Southee’s effort against England was tremendous – the third best figures in World Cup history. Mitchell Starc though was a bit better. His 6-28 against New Zealand at Eden Park was a one man comeback show. Quick, hostile and accurate, and far too good for New Zealand’s middle to lower order. Starc is one of the absolute best one day bowlers going around at the moment.
What has been the best game of the World Cup?
The associate matches have provided plenty of excitement for avid cricketing fans even if the quality is slightly poorer, and the players less known. The Scotland vs Afghanistan and Ireland v UAE encounters were both close affairs, but our favourite was the Trans-Tasman affair at Eden Park. The drama of the final stages of the Pool A encounter are unlikely to be seen again in this World Cup. Low scoring affairs featuring 19 wickets are always the most exciting.
South Africa v Ireland, Manuka Oval, (Canberra – fine weather expected), starts 2:30pm local time
South Africa – $1.05
Ireland – $10.00
Sure, it’s predicted to be fine for the Pool B encounter between South Africa and Ireland in Canberra today, but we’ll give you a different forecast – it will rain. Rain runs. Ireland have already shown an appetite for big totals in this World Cup, and their opponents have AB de Villiers (oh, and Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and David Miller).
South Africa will be too strong for Ireland. The odds reflect that, but Ireland, as they do in every game they play will account for themselves well and get within 60 runs of their more fancied opposition.
Today’s Bet
If you want to double your money just get on de Villers To Score a 50 at $2.10. The only way he wouldn’t is if Ireland bat first and don’t post more than 200. Otherwise it’s a shoo in.
We also like Kyle Abbott to be Top Wicketaker at $5.50.
And Ed Joyce To Score a 50 at $3.50.
Odds from Betstar.
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.
