2016 ICC World Twenty20: Australia and Windies to edge Pakistan and South Africa
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | March 24, 2016
Australia and Pakistan battle in a must-win encounter for both nations first up on Friday in the 2016 World Twenty20, while the West Indies can qualify if they keep up their 100 per cent record and beat South Africa.
Australia v Pakistan
- ICC World Twenty20, Match 26
- Friday, March 25th
- Play starts: 09:30 GMT
- Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
- Live on Sky Sports 2
Australia to belie record with Pakistan
Australia (4/9 favourites with Coral) and Pakistan (7/4) have perhaps underwhelmed so far this tournament, but have shared a sole win against Bangladesh so far meaning a loss for either side in this match will almost certainly mean elimination.
In 13 T20 meetings between the duo, it is in fact the South Asians that are 7-5 ahead (with the other being a draw).
The most recent of which came in the 2014 edition of the event, thanks to Umar Akmal’s smashing 94 off just 54 balls. He is 11/2 to be best Men in Green’s batsman again.
Mohammad Hafeez (3/1), Sharjeel Khan (4/1) and Shoaib Malik (11/2) have also all top scored for Pakistan this tournament.
Khawaja key for Aussies
For Australia, meanwhile, Usman Khawaja has been the key man with the bat, getting the most runs for his team in both their matches so far. He tops the best Aussie batting betting at 11/4.
In the last duel between these two nations, David Warner’s unbeaten 53 inspired Australia to a six-wicket win, and the opener is a tempting 7/2 shout in the same market.
Glenn Maxwell was the difference with the ball that day in the UAE, taking three scalps including three of the first four in the batting order. The all-rounder, who also impressed in the loss to New Zealand, is a joint-outsider in the Aussie bowling market at 6/1.
If you fancy Shane Watson to go out on a high, after announcing his international retirement exactly 14 years after his debut, then back him at 4/1 with the bat and 6/1 with the ball.
South Africa v West Indies
- ICC World Twenty20, Match 27
- Friday, March 25th
- Play starts: 14:00 GMT
- Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
- Live on Sky Sports 2
Windies to put sword into wounded Proteas
West Indies have well and truly made their mark on the World Twenty20, and have proven they are not a one man team, after Chris Gayle’s terrific ton against England, as they thrashed defending champions Sri Lanka largely without their superstar’s services.
The Caribbean team love this form of the game, as their ability in Test cricket has certainly diminished since their golden era from the mid-1970s to early 1990s.
They are priced at 5/4 for victory, which is highly enticing given that they won this competition in 2012 and even recently beat the Proteas 2-1 in a T20 series in South Africa.
Gayle in full force ahead of crunch clash
Gayle was in top form in both of their wins, and was absent from the loss, after managing match-winning knocks of 77 (off 31) and 90 (off 41). He is 13/2 to be top WI batsman and his team win once more in Coral’s enhanced wincast.
Andre Fletcher is a decent chance at 7/2 just to get the top score after his unbeaten 84 against Sri Lanka, while Samuel Badree is 3/1 to be best with the ball.
South Africa (8/13 favourites) have looked good with the bat this tournament, posting two scores over 200, but their bowling department has let them down.
AB de Villiers (5/2 to be best Proteas batsman) helped them through a nervy clash with Afghanistan, while Hashim Amla (3/1) scored a decent 58 in the thrilling loss to England.
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Coral’s top tip: Superstar Gayle has been in great form of late and is 13/2 to be top West Indies batsman and his team win.
