Tag: ICC

Cricket World Cup: Day 12 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

It’s unlikely we’ll see another Cricket World Cup double century today, but there still could be plenty of action.  Read our preview of today’s match and the three big questions on everyone’s lips at the Cricket World Cup.

The Three Big Questions 

Does Eden Park’s weird dimensions suit Australia or New Zealand more for Saturday’s showdown? 

Many are predicting Saturday’s trans-tasman match at Eden Park to be a preview of the World Cup final in late March.  Both teams are confident, both have made a good start to the tournament and both are familiar with the conditions in both Australia and New Zealand.  Familiarity with Eden Park’s strange dimensions – the straight boundary is just 55m – will be crucial in deciding who runs out on top of Saturday’s pool game.  Australia feel that Tim Southee and Trent Boult’s swing threat is minimised by the small boundaries.  Mishits can still go for six, and edges will race to the straight boundaries and force fine leg and third man to be especially straight, opening up space in other ares of the outfield.  The ground suits left handers too, but with only Corey Anderson and David Warner goofy hitting, no team benefits there.  New Zealand obviously no the conditions well, yet still failed to defend 314 when they last played here (timing with India in a match featuring 23 6’s).  Accordingly, there is no clear advantage, but expect huge totals all round.

Where should bowlers be bowling?

Bowlers have had a rough time of it of late.  The pitches too flat, the balls to hard and the boundaries too small.  300 plus totals are good for fans vying for the Tui catch a million promotion at New Zealand grounds, but a bad look for bowlers.  So what can they do about it?  Short pitched stuff hasn’t worked for England, taking the pace off hasn’t worked for Zimbabwe, liquorice all sorts didn’t work for Andre Russell and the West Indies against Ireland.  That leaves one glaringly obvious strategy that appears to be a lost art these days.  Fire it in fats and straight into the blockhole and you won’t go too far.  Even though Malinga went fro plenty against New Zealand his death spell was excellent.  It’s the only viable strategy in the modern ODI game.  Sure you might get ramped a couple of times, but that shot will come off less than a bludgeon down the ground.

What’s our take on the commentary team?

Refreshing.  There’s a different insight on display with more neutral commentators voicing each game, and it’s something we could get used to. Having grown up listening to the infamous Channel 9 commentary team and watching them get more and more one-eyed (thanks to Ian Healey, James Bradshaw, Michael Slater), the change to Alan Wilkins, Pommie Mbangwa et al has only increased our enjoyment of the tournament.  If only the logistics could work full time on all international tours.  FTP for commentators?

Today’s Matchup

Ireland v UAE, The Gabba (Brisbane – cyclone gone should be fine), starts 1:30pm local time

Ireland – $1.20

UAE – $4.40

The green machine are expected to get the better of the UAE as World Cup cricket returns to the cyclone sodden state of Queensland.  The Irish are coming off a strong opening win against the West Indies, and have the players to get them out of any potentially sticky situations against the only amateur team in the tournament.  Joyce, Stirling and O’Brien are all in some handy form and could cash in against the associate side who, despite enjoying a solid opening effort against Zimbabwe, will probably struggle on the pace and bounce of the Gabba.

Today’s Bet

Ireland’s favourites tag means there are not great odds on any of the common betting options. If anything we like Ed Joyce / Khurram Khan to both to score for their teams at $12.00.

Odds from Sportsbet Australia.

Cricket World Cup: Day 11 Recap

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Chris Gayle survived a close LBW call first ball and then went on a six hitting rampage; breaking numerous records on the way to a massive 215 that set his side up for a big win against Zimbabwe in Canberra in Day 11 of the Cricket World Cup.

Read more about Gayle (and the game) below:

Day 11 Results

West Indies v Zimbabwe

A wicket second ball of the innings for the Zimbabweans did not give any indication to the brutality that was to follow.  From the joy of Dwayne Smith’s opening wicket (which was literally celebrated with dancing), the game quickly went pear shaped for the African side as Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels combined in world record partnership of 372.  Former South African quick turned commentator Shaun Pollock put it best when he pointed out that the game got to the stage where “the fielders were becoming the spectators, and the spectators were becoming the fielders”.

Gayle hit 16 sixes on his way to becoming the first Cricket World Cup double centurion, and in the process became the first batsman to score a T20 100, an ODI 200, and a Test 300.  His record breaking blitzkrieg was even more remarkable given the pressure place on him by the public and the president of the WICB who had earlier given Gayle an underhanded slap via Twitter.

This was Gayle’s first ODI hundred since 2013, and despite being predicted by us,  still shocked plenty in the manner it was achieved.  Gayle set the record for number of 6’s in an ODI innings and broke the record for fastest ODI double hundred.  Mention should go to Marlon Samuels too.  He grafted (in comparison to Gayle) an unbeaten 133 to share in the fireworks from the best seat in the house.  Samuels was slower in comparison; a point that remained largely irrelevant on account of the unlikeliness of Zimbabwe chasing 373.

Zimbabwe did play well however.  Sean Willians and Criag Ervine compiled accomplished half centuries, but the chase lacked a big hundred to be able to compete.  They finished well short on 289, however in each of their games thus far they have managed to cross 270 which indicates their ability with the willow.  Jerome Taylor picked up 3 wickets to add to his 6 previous tournament records to be the best West Indies bowler.

West Indies back on course then.  Chris Gayle back in form.  Every team in the competition now hoping to avoid them in the quarter-finals.

West Indies 372 for 2 (Gayle 215, Samuels 133*) beat Zimbabwe 289 (Williams 76, Ervine 52, Taylor 3-38) by 73 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 11 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Three Big Questions 

Have India returned to form, are they a chance now?

Bowling woes aside, India have been in some okay form during the majority of their Australian tour.  Their batsman were competent in the test series, they scored some runs in the Carlton Mid Series, and have now scored 300+ against two top tier nations in their opening match of the Cricket World Cup.  Therefore, they haven’t returned to form, they have just had one of their top six score big runs as they have done all summer, and now their bowlers are looking much more comfortable when defending scores of over 300.  We’re convinced they’ll make the semi-finals, but to go further they need a big hundred (which we’ve seen from Sharma, Dhawan, Rahane, Kohli so far this tour), and their bowlers to bowl to a new simple dot ball pressure blowing plan.

What about England?

Less of a chance for India that is for sure.  Too many similar players in both the batting and bowling departments.  In Root, Ballance, Bell and Taylor (even Morgan in current form) you have smaller players who rely on gaps, timing and deflections rather than power.  That’s fine on the bigger grounds and, crucially, when the players are in form, but that’s not the case at the moment.  Joe Buttler is their only MS Dhoni, whereas New Zealand have McCullum, Taylor, Anderson and Ronchi.  Australia have Marsh, Warner, Finch, Maxwell, Faulkner.  They can’t compete.  Their bowlers too won’t offer enough to worry the best in the world.  Finn, Woakes and Broad hit the pitch hard, they rarely swing it down under.  That presents a problem, as Brendon McCullum pointed out.

And South Africa?

South Africa looked surprisingly, but completely, off the mark against India.  Bereft of ideas, and lacking individual accountability.  We mentioned after their first up effort against Zimbabwe that the top four wouldn’t fail cumulatively again in the tournament.  But they did.  du Plessis got a few but the form of Amla, de Kock and de Villiers is now reaching concerning levels.  They need a quick spark to prevent the dreaded c-word surfacing.

Today’s Matchup

West Indies v Zimbabwe, Manuka Oval (Canberra – scattered thunderstorms expected), starts 2:30pm local time

West Indies – $1.20

Zimbabwe – $4.50

The West Indies may have turned a corner with their strong win against Pakistan over the weekend.  After splitting their games in New Zealand, they now travel to Australia to get the better of Zimbabwe, who themselves had one win and one loss in New Zealand.  West Indies shouldn’t be short of runs.  Most of their batsman have enjoyed sufficient time in the middle to again be profitable in this match, while Jerome Taylor and the bowlers have also begun to show more mettle.

Zimbabwe have also been more than useful in their two showings.  Giving South Africa a run before chasing down 285 to win against UAE.  The Zimbabweans will need to improve their fielding and catching if they are to go toe to toe with their unpredictable opponents in this one.  We’re picking a West Indies win.

Today’s Bet

Chris Gayle has not started the tournament well, but we’re thinking today will be his day.  He’s at his best when he’s bullying opponents from the outset, and Zimbabwe could be on the receiving end.  He’s at $4 to top score, a West Indies win with him top scoring is paying $5, and Gayle’s at $7 to be named man of the match.

Odds from Sportsbet Australia.

Cricket World Cup: Day 10 Recap

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

England finally got out of the World Cup dungeon but plenty of cobwebs remain after a comfortable win over Scotland in Christchurch on Day 10.  Facing the embarrassing indignity of bowing out before the knockout round after two opening defeats (including a remarkably one sided one to New Zealand on Friday), England just about managed to turn their campaign around thanks to Moeen Ali’s powerful hundred.  England are now all but assured a quarter-final spot if they can get passed Afghanistan and Bangladesh.  Here’s what transpired:

Day 10 Results

England v Scotland

The overcast Hagely Oval conditions encouraged Scotland to bowl first, but they were soon made to regret that decision as England’s openers Ian Bell and Ali piled on a rapid partnership of 172.  The partnership was completely dominated by Ali, who had brought up his second one day hundred just one ball after Bell had fifty to his name.  Ali’s leg side dominant masterclass outlined just how free his mind is compared to those of his colleagues.  He played with confidence, belief and a lack of fear that resulted in quick scoring domination of the opposition attack.  The difference in approach was on display a short time later, after Bell and Ali had both been removed.  Root, Ballance, Morgan and Taylor all struggled for momentum in the powerplay – presumably, fear of being subject to media scrutiny again getting in the way of their natural games (as did the cobwebs).  England did manage to get to 300, Jos Buttler, who should have been promoted once Bell was out, was crucial in helping them get there.

The bowlers did what they needed to.  They didn’t bowl particularly well, but Scotland’s batting efforts have been the most disappointing of the associate nations in this World Cup so far given their strong warm up form. Scotland were all out for 184.  The wickets were share amongst all of the bowlers, with Moeen Ali showing off his all round prowess with a useful two wickets to complete his man of the match display.

Steven Finn’s display will probably ease some concerns over his form.  His three wickets will help block the memories of the two overs he bowled to Brendon McCullum (0-49 if you need reminding).

England 303 for 8 (Moeen 128, Bell 54, Davey 4-68) beat Scotland 184 (Coetzer 71, Finn 3-26, Moeen 2-47) by 119 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 10 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The minnows have all held their own in World Cup matches thus far without quite getting over the line (aside from Ireland against the West Indies, which was arguably predicted).  Today, Scotland are the minnow trying to overcome a more senior test playing side.  However, the English are reeling, so this could be the magic minnow moment of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Today’s Matchup

England v Scotland, Hagley Oval (Christchurch – fine but cloudy), starts 11:00am local time

England – $1.06

Scotland – $9.30

“Of all the feeble World Cup displays that England have turned on – a whole raft since 1992 – this defeat by New Zealand, who knocked off their target in 12.2 overs, has to be the most ignominious” – Scyld Berry writing for The Telegraph.

Berry’s phrase pretty much sums up the shambolic England performance that dominated Twitter on Friday night.  England were woefully inept against New Zealand and now need to find the inspiration, the belief and the right team mix that will deliver a much needed win – and with it, a chance of making the World Cup quarter finals – when the play Scotland today.

England would never have expected this much pressure on a game against Scotland, but thankfully, the bookies still have them as unbackable favourites.  England are expected to make changes to the side that crumbled to Tim Southee, with Ravi Bopara and Alex Hales the ones likely to slot in.

Scotland bowled nicely against New Zealand when defending their paltry 162.  Thus, therein lies their main chance of sneaking a win against their more heavily fancied neighbours.  Wardlaw and Davey both swing it, and with Christchurch already looking overcast at the time of writing, England could be in for another test against the swinging ball.

Today’s Bet

We don’t even know if he’ll play, but he should, and because he should we’re backing him no matter what.  Even if he doesn’t play he’ll still score the same amount of runs as some that do.

Therefore, we’re on Alex Hales to top score at $6.00.

Hales was left out…again.  New bet needed.  England batting first so runs on offer if they get past the new ball.  Odds are not worthwhile on Root or Bell.  We’re going against the grain.  Morgan (if he continues to bat 5) to top score at the great odds of $8.50.

Odds from Palmerbet.

Cricket World Cup: Weekend Recap

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

A bumper weekend of quality cricket has seen a number of teams rip up the form book and reemerge as genuine World Cup threats.  India and the West Indies both scored unexpected wins to again confuse punters as to who will make up the crucial semi-final spots of the lucrative tournament.

Although Cyclone Marcia prevented the favourites Australia from playing, New Zealand and Melbourne stayed dry to allow some cricket.  Check out the weekend results below:

Day 8 Results

1. West Indies v Pakistan

The enigma that is West Indies cricket got the better the woefulness that is Pakistan cricket in a one-sided encounter in Christchurch.  Fans wanting a more interesting World Cup will hope that the win will prompt a change in fortune for the men from the Caribbean, whereas fans supporting Pakistan will be drastically worried.  The West Indies posted 300 batting first for the second game in succession.  Handy contributions from most of their men precluded a dazzling Andre Russell finish who slammed 42 from just 13 balls.  Earlier, Dinesh Ramdin and Lendl Simmons both scored fifties in a crucial middle over partnership that solidified a precious position of 152/3, which could have initiated a wobble.

A middle order wobble may not have mattered anyway as Pakistan crumbled to just 160 in reply.  Jerome Taylor’s fast start reduced Pakistan to a remarkable 1/4.  Just to be clear, that is, 4 wickets down for a solitary run.  There was no way back.  Pakistan did get to 160 – Umar Akmal scored an overdue half centre as did Maqsood, but there was never a contest.  Andre Russell also picked up three wickets to take man of the match honours.

The West Indies will be satisfied with their day’s work but await anxiously news on Darren Bravo’s injured hamstring.

West Indies 310 for 6 (Ramdin 51, Simmons 50, Russell 42) beat Pakistan 160 (Akmal 59, Maqsood 50, Taylor 3-15, Russell 3-33) by 150 runs

2. Australia v Bangladesh

Day 9 Results

1. Afghanistan v Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka overcame another minnow led scare in the Cricket World Cup on Sunday.  Not for the first time, an associate nation looked to be getting the better of test playing nation before class, luck and composure got the Sri Lankans (in this case) home.

Afghanistan were at one stage 128/2 and looking good for a handsome first innings total.  But before they could build any real momentum, Matthews, Malinga and Lakmal removed their key men before they could make the big scores that win games.  Mohammad Stanikzai was Afghanistan’s best with a well made 54, but his wicket was the catalyst of the slide.

Sri Lanka made very hard work of the gettable total.  At 18/3, with Dilshan, Thirimanne and Sangakkara all back in the pavilion, an upset looked possible.  It looked likely even when Karunaratne also fell, in a wicket that had the Afghan’s doing cartwheels (literally).  The fairytale wasn’t forthcoming mind you.  The guile of Mahlea Jayawardene and the power of Thisara Perera steering Sri Lanka home to win by 4 wickets.  Jayawardene scored an even hundred, while Perara made a brutal unbeaten 47 to wrap things up with 10 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka 236 for 6 (Jayawardene 100, Perera 47*, Hamid 3-45) beat Afghanistan 232 (Stanikzai 54) by four wickets

2. India v South Africa

Wow! We didn’t see this one coming.  India gave a huge MCG crowd every reason to cheer by knocking over a strong South Africa in emphatic fashion.  Cast aside at the start of the tournament after a disappointing tour down under, the Indians are now emerging as genuine title contenders after a pair of excellent wins.  Led by Shikhar Dhawan, who scored a well-paced 137, full of hooks and pulls, India cruised along to 307.  Virat Kohli contributed too, he scored 46, but Ajinkya Rahane’s 60 ball 79 was the real supporting act gem at the tail the innings.

South Africa struggled; they’ll be talk of the dreaded ‘choke’ term entering their minds / becoming a possibility.  The case never really got going, and surprisingly, none of their big game players Amla, du Plessis or de Villiers have managed to score the expected big runs.  Certainly not on the Dhawan scale.  The scale that put bowlers under pressures and becomes the difference between 200 scores and 300 scores.  Dhawan was the difference, and South Africa need confidence.  (They’ll also monitor an injury to Vernon Philander.)

South Africa have gone out to $5.00 to win the World Cup at Bet365.

India 307 for 7 (Dhawan 137, Rahane 79) beat South Africa 177 (Du Plessis 55, Ashwin 3-41) by 130 runs