Once again, this competition threw up an amazing result when Bangladesh recorded an emphatic 5 wicket win over New Zealand. There were some pivotal moments in the game which would have made this match great fun for in-play punters. New Zealand were cruising to a 300+ score at 201 for 3 but then lost the plot and subsided to a score of just 265. This was very annoying for us as our selection of top NZ batsmen, Williamson, senselessly ran himself out on 57.
This score then looked to safely defended when magnificent opening bowling spells from Southee and Milne reduced Bangladesh to 33 for 4 after 12 overs. However, a magnificent satnd of 224 between Shakib and Mahmudullah effectively saw Bangladesh home.
There magnificent performance may well be in vain if Australia win the final clash of Group B which is against the unbeaten hosts, England. Let’s have a look at the match.
England V Australia
Venue - Edgbaston, Birmingham
Start – 10.30 (BST)
Exchange prices – England (2.04), Australia (1.95)
Weather – Bright early with cloud and rain by mid-afternoon.
This is a huge match for Australia, who must win to earn themselves a place in the semi-finals. They have had a frustrating time so far as both of their matches have been weather-affected “no-results”. Unfortunately, this could happen again as rain is forecast in the afternoon.
Australia have been patchy in the cricket they have played to date, looking very ordinary against New Zealand but much improved against Bangladesh. England have been playing some top class one-day cricket but do have the ability to put in a stinker, particularly when there is nothing riding on the game. Captain Morgan has promised his team is fully motivated so we will have to wait and see. England do perform well at this midlands venue and could well outperform their odds in a tigh win market.
Our selection today is in the “Top Australia batsman” market. Not surprisingly, eyes will be on the top three Warner, Smith and Lynch but, although these are high quality batsmen, their stats in ODIs in England are not that great.
