The Three Questions
Is Maxwell more dangerous than AB?
On the analysis of his last two knocks, Maxwell is well and truly more dangerous than AB de Villiers. They have similar skill sets and mind sets. They are both fearless, creative, and have an uncanny knack of hitting the ball where the fielders are not (maybe calling it a knack does them a disservice, because it’s such a conscious decision). But Maxwell’s dangerousness also comes from the platforms he’s getting from his side. Coming in against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka with big runs already on the board has freed him up considerably and is likely to have him outscore de Villers in the tournament.
Is Sangakkara the best ODI batsman of all time?
You would have to think so. How’s this for a record – 402 matches, 14065 runs, 41.73 average, 24 hundreds, 93 fifties. It’s the second highest aggregate in history (behind Sachin Tendulkar) but has often come while keeping wickets, often without the support of teammates, and in all conditions. He is the complete batsman in all forms of the game and never gets the credit he deserves. This piece will pay the dues however – he’s the best on history.
How are the quarterfinals shaping up?
Here are our predictions:
South Africa v Sri Lanka, Sydney
India v England, Melbourne
Australia v Pakistan, Adelaide
New Zealand v West Indies, Wellington
Today’s Matchup
England v Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval (Adelaide – chance of showers), starts 2:00pm local time
England – $1.24
Bangladesh – $4.00
The winner of this match will march towards the quarter-finals, the loser will be heading home. It should never have come down to this for England, but their inconsistent form now sees them in a do or die encounter against the sometimes sub-continent surprise packages.
Bangladesh have some form and confidence from their win against Scotland, although they’ll be hoping they don’t concede 300 again. On the other end, England have beaten Scotland too, but that’s the only win they have managed.
England should have too much quality in this one, but a close game could test their mettle.
Today’s Bet
The “captain delivers against the odds” bet.
Eoin Morgan to Top Score just when his team needs it. He’s paying $5.50.
Odds taken 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.
