The start of the Cricket World Cup is merely three months away and every ODI meeting at present is attracting special attention.
In the Caribbean the Windies have shown the World Cup hosts (and pre-tournament favourites) that they are not a side to take lightly, regardless of what World Rankings and the bookies say or think. But let’s look at the other two series which kicks off over the weekend.
India v Australia, Saturday
India host the Aussies in their final dress rehearsal before the big show. Talking about The Big Show, Glenn Maxwell came out of the T20 series with a fifty and a hundred. The rest of the batting line-up will however have to show that they are able to cope with the twin-spin threat of Chahal and Yadav.
From India’s perspective their Top3 has scored a million runs over the years but it is the rest of the batsmen that will have to find some form before the World Cup. Kaul is given the chance in the absence of Buvi Khumar to put his hand up for a plane ticket.
Verdict: Expect Kohli to keep piling up the runs, Kuldeep to baffle some Aussies with his variations and Maxi to get quite a few maximums in this series.
Best Bet for 1st ODI: Top Away batsman – G Maxwell @ 6.50 with BETOLIMP
Top Home Bowler – K Yadav @ 3.50 with BETOLIMP
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
South Africa v Sri Lanka, Sunday
Back in the good old R S of A the South Africans will look to restore some faith and pride. After getting their arses handed to them in the tests the Proteas will seek redemption in the shorter format of the game. With all focus moving toward the main event of the year there is no more room for failure from Faf and his men.
The Perera’s and Fernando’s are lining up to transfer their test success into the ODI arena for the visitors. Confidence must be running high in the touring squad and the likes of Tharanga, Dickwella and KusalPerera are players who can take the game away from you on their own. The Sri Lankan seam attack surprised the Proteas in the test series but the chinaman bowler, Lakshan Sandakan, could prove the most lethal weapon for the visitors. Also watch out for the return of Lasith Malinga.
Verdict: The Sri Lankans will prove no easy beats in the ODI’s either. The fact that the opening game is played at the often more “bouncy” Wanderers could prove the decisive factor for the home side, but it should be far from one-sided.
Best Bet for 1st ODI: Top Home Batsman – R vd Dussen @ 7.00 with BETOLIMP
Top Away Bowler – Sandakan @ 5.00 with BETOLIMP
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
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