Tag: Preview

Cricket World Cup: Day 21 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Last night’s late finish in Perth has put paid to our three questions feature, so we have only, the day’s action preview for you, with odds from BetEasy.

Today’s Matchups

1. South Africa v Pakistan, Eden Park (Auckland – windy with rain expected), starts 2:00pm local time

South Africa – $1.25

Pakistan – $4.00

Eden Park’s tiny boundaries could be in for an awful peppering if South Africa bat first and continue their 400 scoring form against Pakistan today.  Back to back 400’s have the South Africans supremely confident heading into their penultimate Pool game.  The 400 possibility is made even likely due an injury to Pakistan’s best bowler, Mohammed Irfan.

Five South Africans have already registered hundred in this World Cup and we’re expecting more today.  South Africa will hope that it comes from Quentin de Kock who is in horrible form, in fact he might not even make the side to day with Rilee Rossouw and AB de Villers both keeping options.

Pakistan probably won’t be able to chase down (or set 400) but they did muster 300 for the first time on the tournament in their last try.  Plenty of their batsman got much needed crease time in the win against UAE, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll be able to cope with Steyn and Morkel.

The only other thing getting in the way of 400 is the Auckland weather.  It looks decidedly average on the rain radar in Auckland.

2. Zimbabwe v Ireland, Bellerive Oval (Hobart – cloudy), starts 2:30pm local time

Zimbabwe -$2.25

Ireland – $1.66

This should be one of the closest games between the second tier nations we’ve seen at the World Cup.  The teams are evenly matched on paper, and both have had their ups and downs in the tournament thus far.

Zimbabwe have batted well on most occasions, as have Ireland (bar their last effort against South Africa), but both teams are struggling big time with the ball, especially at the death.  Brendon Taylor and Sean Williams are the mainstays of the Zimbabwe batting order and their contributions and calm heads could be influential against the slow bowling options of Ireland.

We think this will go right down to the wire, and the team that wins is the team that finds their bowling lengths at the death.

Today’s Multi

The Imitation Multi

Both the names of Brendon Taylor and Haris Sohail feature the names of other international crickets.  For instance there is a host of other Taylors at the World Cup (Ross, James, Jerome).  And Haris is also the name of an Australia quickie not currently playing but well know.  So this is the imitation multi.

Haris Sohail to Top Score at $5 + Brendon Taylor to Outscore (Joyce and Sterling) at $2.60 = $13.

NRL Round 1 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Welcome to the NRL!

The world’s best Rugby League competition gets underway with a blockbuster opening round.  Check out our Round 1 Preview below with odds taken from Betstar.

Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Broncos – $2.30

Rabbitohs – $1.57

The 2015 NRL season kicks off with the defending champion Rabbitohs against one of the most successful teams in the history of Rugby League.  The Thursday night Suncorp showdown will set the scene for an intriguing season of skill and scandal.  The Rabbitohs have everything going for them heading into the season opener; Premiership rings, Nines titles, and a World Club Challenge win over St Helens.  Therefore, they are favourites to get the better of a Brisbane side looking to remerge as title contenders with prodigal coach Wayne Bennett.  Of interest will be the performances of Anthony Milford, Adam Blair and Glenn Stewart for their new teams.  We expect Stewart to have the biggest impact and the Rabbitohs to win by 13+.

Broncos: 1 Jordan Kahu, 2 Dale Copley, 3 Jack Reed, 4 Justin Hodges (c), 5 Lachlan Maranta, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Ben Hunt, 8 Josh McGuire, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Adam Blair, 11 Alex Glenn, 12 Sam Thaiday, 13 Corey Parker.

Interchange: 14 Mitchell Dodds, 15 James Gavet, 16 Matt Gillett, 17 Aaron Whitchurch.

Rabbitohs: 1 Greg Inglis (c), 2 Alex Johnston, 3 Dylan Walker, 4 Bryson Goodwin, 5 Joel Reddy, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 George Burgess, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Dave Tyrrell, 11 Glenn Stewart, 12 John Sutton, 13 Ben Lowe.

Interchange: 14 Chris Grevsmuhl, 15 Jason Clark, 16 Chris McQueen, 17 Thomas Burgess.

Parramatta Eels v Manly Sea Eagles

Eels – $1.92

Sea Eagles – $1.92

The bookmakers are finding it impossible to separate two even sides in the round’s second match.  Consistent top 8 finishers, the Manly Sea Eagles are in the midst of somewhat of an injury crisis with Steve Matai, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Buhrer and Brenton Lawrence all out injured, while the Eels are looking to shake off the loss of Dally M Medal winner Jarryd Hayne to NFL.

Manly’s forward pack look short on experience and class in the one major are of concern for us.  The Eels on the other hand have an exciting blend of youth and experience, but they’ll need Hopoate to provide the spark from the back.

The match shapes as an interesting grudge match for Anthony Watmough who plays against his old side for the first time.  As he exited he commented frequently about the poisonous nature of the Manly club – there will be plenty of players who disagree with his disclosure.  Eagles 1-12.

Eels: 1. Will Hopoate, 2 Semi Radradra, 3 Beau Champion, 4 Brad Takairangi, 5 Reece Robinson, 6 Corey Norman, 7 Chris Sandow, 8 Darcy Lussick, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Tim Mannah (c), 11 Manu Ma’u, 12 Tepai Moeroa, 13 Anthony Watmough.

Interchange: 14 Isaac De Gois, 15 Joseph Paulo, 16 Junior Paulo, 17 David Gower, 18 Danny Wicks, 19 Pauli Pauli.

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart, 2 Cheyse Blair, 3 Jamie Lyon (c), 4 Clinton Gutherson, 5 Peta Hiku, 6 Kieran Foran, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans, 8 Willie Mason, 9 Matt Ballin, 10 Brenton Lawrence, 11 Feleti Mateo, 12 Tom Symonds, 13 Dunamis Lui.

Interchange: 14 Jesse Sene-Lefao, 15 Blake Leary, 16 James Hasson, 17 Luke Burgess, 18 Justin Horo.

Newcastle Knights v New Zealand Warriors

Knights – $1.85

Warriors – $2.00

The start of an NRL season is always a hopeful time for New Zealand Warriors fans.  The disappointed of the previous season has worn off, replaced by the excitement of new signings and top 8 finish predictions from those in the know.  Generally, it lasts a couple of games.

Could this season be different?

Ryan Hoffman is the big addition to the Mt Smart based squad and is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a workhorse like defensive load.  Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins are both a season more canny so will burden most of the hopes of the nation.

The Knights start a new era under Rick Stone with little hope or expectation.  They may be favourites on Saturday night but we’ll go against the bookies and pick the Warriors 1-12.

Knights: 1 Kurt Gidley (c), 2 James McManus, 3 Dane Gagai, 4 Joseph Leilua, 5 Akuila Uate, 6 Jarrod Mullen, 7 Tyrone Roberts, 8 Kade Snowden, 9 Adam Clydsdale, 10 Korbin Sims, 11 Beau Scott, 12 Robbie Rochow, 13 Jeremy Smith.

Interchange: 14 Tyler Randell, 15 Chris Houston, 16 David Fa’alogo, 17 Jack Stockwell, 18 Sione Mata’utia

Warriors: 1 Sam Tomkins, 2 Tuimoala Lolohea, 3 Konrad Hurrell, 4 Solomone Kata, 5 Manu Vatuvei, 6 Chad Townsend, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Jacob Lillyman, 9 Thomas Leuluai, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Bodene Thompson, 12 Ryan Hoffman, 13 Simon Mannering (c).

Interchange: 14 Nathan Friend, 15 Ben Henry, 16 Sam Lisone, 17 Albert Vete, 18 Suaia Matagi

Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers

Titans – $2.55

Tigers – $1.52

Depending on which way you look at it the Titans are either; and absolute rabble with no chance of wining more than five games this year; or a Fantasy NRL gold pot, full of cheapies that will get plenty of game time while Greg Bird, Jaime Dowling and Dave Taylor are stood down.  The Titans may surprise, but we tend to think they’ll struggle big time this year, starting with a loss to the Tigers.

The Tigers have a trio of the most exciting players in Rugby League generally in Tedesco, Moses and Brooks.  We’ll watch with keen interest their development this year.  Tigers 13+.

Titans: 1 William Zillman, 2 Kevin Gordon, 3 James Roberts, 4 Josh Hoffman, 5 David Mead, 6 Aidan Sezer, 7 Daniel Mortimer, 8 Luke Douglas, 9 Kierran Moseley, 10 Edward Pettybourne, 11 Ryan James, 12 Matt Robinson, 13 Nate Myles (c).

Interchange: 14 Agnatius Paasi, 15 Mark Ioane, 16 Lachlan Burr, 17 Matt Srama, 18 Ryan Simpkins.

Tigers: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Kevin Naiqama, 3 Tim Simona, 4 Chris Lawrence, 5 Pat Richards, 6 Mitchell Moses, 7 Luke Brooks, 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Robbie Farah (c), 10 Keith Galloway, 11 Curtis Sironen, 12 Sauaso Sue, 13 Dene Halatau.

Interchange: 14 Ava Seumanufagai, 15 Martin Taupau, 16 Matthew Lodge, 17 Brenden Santi, 18 Kyle Lovett.

North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters

Cowboys – $1.70

Roosters – $2.20

Two of the favourites to take out this years Proven-Summons trophy meet in Townsville in the match of the round on Saturday night.  After being stitched up for a second straight year in a playoff referee blunder, the Cowboys are hoping 2015 brings slightly better luck.  They have a well settled side that has created success around a big forward pack and the best halfback in the world.  That will be the plan this year again, especially with the amount Jason Taumalolo has come on after his experience with the Kiwis in the Four Nations.

Their opponents are the defending minor premiers, and 2013 champions. They have lost Sonny Bill Williams, and Anthony Minichielio, but gained troublemaker Blake Ferguson. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is given the number one jersey in a major positional switch for 2015, and Aidan Guerra and Boyd Cordner will be asked to assume added responsibility to offset the SBW exit.

Jake Friend’s absence worries us, but not enough to bet against the Roosters. They’ll win by 1-12.

Cowboys: 1 Michael Morgan, 2 Justin O’Neill, 3 Matthew Wright, 4 Kane Linnett, 5 Antonio Winterstein, 6 Johnathan Thurston (c), 7 Robert Lui, 8 Matthew Scott (c), 9 Rory Kostjasyn, 10 Ben Hannant, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Ethan Lowe, 13 Jason Taumalolo.

Interchange: 14 Jake Granville, 15 Glenn Hall, 16 Scott Bolton, 17 James Tamou, 18 Kelepi Tanginoa, 19 Ray Thompson.

Roosters: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 Daniel Tupou, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Blake Ferguson, 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6 James Maloney, 7 Mitchell Pearce (c), 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9 Matt McIlwrick, 10 Sam Moa, 11 Boyd Cordner, 12 Aidan Guerra, 13 Isaac Liu.

Interchange: 14 Mitchell Aubusson, 15 Dylan Napa, 16 Kane Evans, 17 Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 18 Martin Kennedy, 19 Nene Macdonald.

Penrith Panthers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Panthers – $1.96

Bulldogs – $1.87

Sundays games feature two of the better coached sides in the competition: The Des Hasler led Bulldogs, and the Ivan Cleary guided Penrith Panthers.  Thus, a tactful match full of structure and discipline is predicted at the freshly named Pepper Stadium.  Penrith have been the competitions big improvers over the past few seasons.  They appear to have flourished under Clearly and Gould, and should again feature in the top 4 when the season wraps up.  Very little by way of recruitment was needed by the Panthers so expect much of the same from their household names.

Hasler’s men disappointed in the Grand Final last year.  They’ll be keen to make amends, starting as early as possible with a win first up.  Losing career grub Michael Ennis is a shame, but James Graham will fill in nicely and is probably the greatest example of leading by example you will ever see.

Bulldogs 1-12 – the toughest pick of the round.

Panthers: 1 Matt Moylan, 2 George Jennings, 3 Dean Whare, 4 Jamal Idris, 5 Dallin Watene Zelezniak, 6 Jamie Soward, 7 Peter Wallace (c), 8 Sam McKendry, 9 James Segeyaro, 10 Brent Kite, 11 Sika Manu, 12 Lewis Brown, 13 Elijah Taylor.

Interchange: 14 Tyrone Peachey, 15 Jeremy Latimore, 16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 17 Bryce Cartwright, 18 Isaah Yeo, 19 Apisai Koroisau

Bulldogs: 1 Brett Morris, 2 Curtis Rona, 3 Josh Morris, 4 Timoteo Lafai, 5 Sam Perrett, 6 Josh Reynolds, 7 Trent Hodkinson, 8 Aiden Tolman, 9 Michael Lichaa, 10 James Graham (c), 11 Josh Jackson, 12 Tony Williams, 13 Greg Eastwood.

Interchange: 14 Sam Kasiano, 15 David Klemmer, 16 Frank Pritchard, 17 Tim Browne, 18 Moses Mbye

Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders

Sharks – $1.42

Raiders – $2.90

With respect to the teams I’m about to include in this list, there are some teams that are just not that enjoyable to watch.  I’d put the Knights in the list along with the Titans, the Raiders, and at times the Dragons or Sharks.

Clearly, we’re not predicting a blockbuster.

The Sharks might be better this year without all the talk of peptides. If Fifita, Gallen and Graham stay fit they have an incredibly powerful trio of 80 minute workman who can compete with the best in the business. The Raiders, oh boy, where to start.  The Raiders are poor.  We hope they improve.  But more than likely they’ll just battle it out for the wooden spoon. What price for Ricky Stuart to go mid-season?

Sharks: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Sosaia Feki, 3 Gerard Beale, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Mitch Brown, 6 Ben Barba, 7 Jeff Robson, 8 Andrew Fifita, 9 Michael Ennis, 10 Matt Prior, 11 Jayson Bukuya, 12 Wade Graham, 13 Paul Gallen (c).

Interchange: 14 Chris Heighington, 15 Tinirau Arona, 16 Anthony Tupou, 17 David Fifita, 18 Valentine Holmes, 19 Jack Bird.

Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton, 2 Sisa Waqa, 3 Jarrod Croker (c), 4 Edrick Lee, 5 Jordan Rapana, 6 Blake Austin, 7 Mitchell Cornish, 8 David Shillington, 9 Josh Hodgson, 10 Dane Tilse, 11 Josh Papalii, 12 Sia Soliola, 13 Shaun Fensom.

Interchange: 14 Josh McCrone, 15 Frank-Paul Nuuausala, 16 Paul Vaughan, 17 Shannon Boyd

St George-Illawarra Dragons v Melbourne Storm

Dragons – $2.20

Storm – $1.70

The final match of the round  has the Dragons hosting the Storm on Monday night.  It’s a match that has predominantly been won by the Storm – 20 wins from 29 games – but the Dragons did sneak a win in Round 16 of 2014.  The Dragons are still developing under Paul McGregor.  He deserves some more time to impart his plans, personnel and performance expectations on his side before being more closely scrutinised.  Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop believe they have the formula for a successful halves pairing, and if Dugan can keep himself off the booze and off the injured list, they could be good for a few upsets this year.  Starting George Rose in week one worries me though.

Cameron Smith has been cleared fit to lead the Storm.  They’ll win on Monday but might not make the Top 8 this year, Shock!

Storm 1-12.

Dragons: 1 Josh Dugan 2 Etonia Nabuli 3 Dane Nielsen 4 Dylan Farrell 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 George Rose 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson 13 Ben Creagh (c).

Interchange: 14 Rory O’Brien, 15 Trent Merrin, 16 Mike Cooper, 17 Jack de Belin, 18 Jake Marketo 19 Heath L’Estrange

Storm: 1 Billy Slater 2 Young Tonumaipea 3 Will Chambers 4 Kurt Mann 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith (c) 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane.

Interchange: 14 Ryan Hinchcliffe 15 Tim Glasby 16 Dayne Weston17 Felise Kaufusi

Super Rugby Round 4 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Kicking off in just under 3 hours, it’s time to preview the latest round of Super Rugby, and this week we’re confident we’ll go 7 from 7.  So without further ado, the Super Rugby Round 4 Preview:

Odds taken from Tom Waterhouse.

Chiefs v Highanders

Chiefs – $1.20

Highlanders – $4.70

The Chiefs were so dominant last week against the Crusaders its hard to see the Highlanders causing them any trouble.  The Chiefs have the best performing 10 and 12 combination in the competition, and despite the Highlanders sneaking a win against the Reds last week, the Cheifs winning margin will be similar to last week’s.  The Highlanders have been unable to get enough ball to Fekitoa or Waisake Naholo, and thus aren’t finding the points of previous campaigns.  Chiefs by 13+.

Brumbies v Force

Brumbies – $1.15

Force – $5.60

If the Chiefs are currently the best team in the competition, the Brumbies aren’t far behind.  The brilliantly coached and disciplined Brumbies side should prove to strong against a team they have always enjoyed an edge over.  The Brumbies are conceding the fewest penalties of any team (although they probably regret on of the penalties they did concede), and that’s turning into significant pressure for their opponents.  In positive news for the Force, the Honey Badger, Nick Cummins returns.  He’s destined to bring more entertainment – both on field and in front of a post match interviewer.  Brumbies by 1-12.

Blues v Lions

Blues – $1.16

Lions – $5.35

If the reports are true, the Blues are already tapping up replacements for John Kiran, in the strongest indication yet that JK won’t be around next year.  Whether they are true or not, the Blues need wins.  Only wins will prevent the axe from falling, and Round 4 is an excellent opportunity to get one.  The Blues are yet to win a game, and look decidedly average on attack, but they’ve been beaten soundly.  Therefore, we think (along with most of the bookies) they’ll record their first win.  The Lions will find the travel a little too demanding.  Blues by 13+.

Reds v Waratahs

Reds – $2.80

Waratahs – $1.44

The oldest rivalry in Australian sport has traditionally been edge by the Reds.  Of the 23 previous encounters, the Reds have 13 wins to their names against the Waratahs 9.  However, the most recent was a a comprehensive win to the eventual 2014 Super Rugby Champions, by 32-5.  Neither team has reached top form in 2015, so form’s not a reliable indicator as to which way this one will go.  All we know is we’re looking forward to the individual matches – Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley vs James O’Connor and Will Genia, and Liam Gill vs Michael Hooper.  Waratahs by 1-12.

Cheetahs v Bulls

Cheetahs – $2.00

Bulls – $1.82

The Bulls finally got going last week as they returned to their attacking best spearhead by impressive youngster Handre Pollard in a win against the Sharks.  The Cheetahs also had a win; a lucky one against the self destructing Blues franchise.   The Bulls have completely dominated the historical matchups between the sides and we expect that to continue this weekend.  The only possibly of the Cheetahs sneaking a win is through the running game of Willie le Roux or goal kicking of Joe Pietersen.  Bulls 1-12.

Stormers v Sharks

Stormers – $1.62

Sharks – $2.32

A hotly anticipated South African conference duel is especially interesting because the Stormers haven’t won four in a row since 2012.  That’s the year that they were minor premiers (to steal a term from the NRL), and if they manage it in Cape Town it will ensue all sorts of Super Rugby belief.  The Sharks who beat them in a semi-final in 2012, have made an inauspicious start to the 2015 campaign, and need to improve drastically to overturn their results.  Pat Lambie is the crucial figure in the game, the young five eighth has already knocked up 58 competition points and will need to be watched closely.  Only because we haven’t picked an underdog this week, we’ll go Sharks 1-12.

This Week’s Multi

A head to head multi on our picks pays $9.73

A margin multi pays $253.02

Cricket World Cup: Day 20 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Three Big Questions

Any merit to Tendulkar’s 25 team World Cup or Martin Crowe’s 18 team idea?

Batting masters Crowe and Tendulkar have both shared their views recently on the changes needed to the World Cup format.  Both agree that expansion rather than rationalisation are the keys to growing the global game and reducing the gap between associates and their test playing rivals.  The thinking of both deserve merit, and both were tremendous students of the game.  The expansion will take time but it is completely necessary to prevent the one sided wallopings occurring at this stage of the World Cup.  It’s like comparing the exam results of kid who never goes to school with a kid who never misses a class.  Bigger format and short games (40 overs) works.

Is Australia’s new lineup risky? 

We’re presuming that yesterdays team is the team they’ll use in the rest of the competition, save for injuries.   That means Shane Watson misses out, Smith bats 3 and Maxwell at 5.  The move significantly increases the firepower.  Maxwell, Marsh, and Faulkner are an ominous trio to have coming in at the death.  The flip-side is of course the risk of early wickets and relying on the same three to hold an innings together, against their natural games.

How does this World Cup rank with past editions?

Probably one of the best so far.  The associates are competing well at times, the crowds are excellent, and the weather has played its part too.  Some World Cups have been farcical – I’m looking at you 2007, so it’s a refreshing change to see a well run machine with three favourites all playing well and on a collision course.

Today’s Matchup

India v West Indies, WACA (Perth – sunny all day), starts 2:30pm local time

India – $1.41

West Indies – $2.85

A stern cricketing test is exactly what India need to measure their World Cup chances.  Whether they’ll get it from an unpredictable West Indies team, however, is anyones guess.  After making their way through the competition unscathed, and returning to some of their best form, India will be keen to test their game with the different challenges a West Indies team will throw at them.  They’re likely to be: an opening assault on their seam bowlers by Chris Gayle; followed by an even bigger assault on their death bowlers by Darren Sammy and Andre Russell; and steep bounce from the bowling of Jason Holder on the most conducive surface in Australia.

How they cope with the challenges will give everyone a better indication of how competitive India will be in the closing stages of the tournament.  Especially given the interesting quarterfinal position jostling between Australia, Sri Lanka and England.

Today’s Bet

The “probably won’t get a bat but if he does he’ll score a hundred” bet

Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t had much chance in the World Cup so far, but he’s a quality player and just look at the price offered on him for Man of the Match ($19).  We’ll take it.

Odds from Palmerbet.

Cricket World Cup: Day 18 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Three Big Questions

When will a total of 500 become possible? 

The big bats, small grounds, two new balls from each end, and four fielders maximum allowed out of the ring at any one time, are combining to make one day cricket too advantageous for batsman.  The generous new rules have seen a raft of big scores where 300 is the new 220 and 400 is the new 300.  Hundreds come from 31 balls now, and double hundreds are becoming more common.  Soon, 500 will be scored in an one day international, and 400 will be chased down regularly.  The 500 mark won’t be reached during this World Cup but will follow shortly after if the rules don’t even out.

Hero of the Cup so far?

Brendon McCullum’s courageous effort to continued with a badly bruised arm after being pinned by Mitchell Johnson deserves a mention.  So too, the performances of Ireland against the West Indies and Afghanistan against Scotland.  But our favourite hero is the unassuming UAE batsman, Shaiman Anwar.  Anwar’s already composed a half century and a century and leads bigger names like McCullum and Kohli in the top run-scorers charts.  The 35-year-olds a big reason the UAE have been competitive, and for that he’s our hero of the Cricket World Cup so far.  FYI – he’s at $4.50 to top score for his side today.

And the villain? 

Even though David Warner has been relatively unsighted in the World Cup he’s still villainous by nature.  The umpires could also have claim to being villains on a number of occasions – most of all their abysmal effort to deprive James Taylor a possible hundred against Australia on day one.  Neither of them are getting the award though, that goes to the Canberra crowd, where it was alleged they racially abused Imran Tahir.  Not on.

Today’s Matchups

1. Pakistan v UAE, McLean Park (Napier – fine but cloudy), starts 2:00pm local time

Pakistan – $1.08

UAE – $8.00

Pakistan responded well enough to their must win game against Zimbabwe in their last outing, and they’ll need another strong performance today to see off a UAE side that have by no means disgraced themselves.  Pakistan’s brittle campaign needs another win, preferably a big win for net run rate purposes to force Ireland out of the one of the knockout stages places.

They’ll need to drastically improve their batting effort and ensure they give their impressive bowlers something sizeable to defend.   More than the 160, 224 and 235 they’ve put together thus far.

UAE have based themselves in Napier for some time and should be familiar with the conditions after playing many practice matches in the region.  They lost to club sides in those warm up games though, so will be hoping the big stage of the World Cup brings out the best of their players.

2. Australia v Afghanistan, WACA (Perth – scorching hot), starts 2:30pm local time

Australia – $1.02

Afghanistan – $15.00

Australia get the chance for some much needed batting practice in a game that is probably better described as an open wicket practice session between David and Goliath.  No disrespect intended to Afghanistan, but this will be about as one sided as you can get.  The Aussies will be hurting from their New Zealand loss and we expect them to take it out on the hapless tourists.

Afghanistan’s major strength is the seam bowling options they have at their disposal.  Unfortunately, they haven’t been as effective in Australian conditions as they have been in New Zealand. It’s a point that could prove decisive, as Ireland outlined yesterday, without early wickets the test nations have too much depth to not post a huge total.

Today’s Multi

Every Australian batsman is queuing up for a big innings, so it’s difficult to pick one top run getter.  Especially if Afghanistan bat first and get rolled.

Napier’s McLean Park is flat.  It suits Shahid Afridi’s leg skidders so we’ll back him to take more wickets than Sohail Khan at $2.08 + Shane Watson to be Man of the Match (needs Australia to bat first – he has to come good soon doesn’t he, unless he gets dropped for Faulkner?) $8.00 = $16.64

Odds from Unibet.

Cricket World Cup: Day 17 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

After the whirlwind cricketing action that was the weekend, we needed a day to take stock.  Just a day though, the Cricket World Cup returns with another Pool B blockbuster.  

Read more for the best odds for today’s game:

The Three Big Questions

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.

Today’s Matchup

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.