The first match in Group 2 of Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup takes place on Sunday when India clash with Pakistan in Melbourne.
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
India v Pakistan, Melbourne
These 2 sides have won one World T20 title a piece but those victories came some time ago. In 2007 India beat Pakistan in the final in Johannesburg to become the first World T20 champions. Pakistan's only victory came in 2009 at Lords when they defeated Sri Lanka.
In last years tournament in the UAE Pakistan topped their Super 12 group before losing to Australia in the semi finals. India were in that same S12 group but they lost their first 2 matches, including a 10 wicket hiding to Pakistan, and although they won their next 3 games they finished third and bowed out.
Recent Form
India's most recent arm up saw them beat Australia by 6 runs, successfully defending 186/7. At the start of this month they were 2-1 winners at home to South Africa and they came from behind to beat Australia 2-1 in another recent series on home soil.
Pakistan lost their first warm up match to England by a 6 wicket margin. They made 160/8 in 19 overs but England chased it down in just 14.4 overs. No result was possible in a subsequent warm up against Afghanistan. Pakistan won a tri series hosted in New Zealand (and including Bangladesh) earlier this month, beating the Black Caps in the final by 5 wickets.
The Betting
India are currently trading at around 5/10 to win the game and Pakistan can be backed at around 15/10
KL Rahul is 26/10 to top score for India and Rizwan is 22/10 to do likewise for Pakistan
Looking at the long term betting markets at the time of writing India are 15/10 to reach the final and Pakistan are trading at around 33/10 in the same market.
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict
Going back to last years tournament India were also outright favourites but they paid the price for an awful start to the Super 12's. Despite starting short price favourites here I wouldn't take anything for granted but win or lose I'm looking to KL Rahul to top score for India whilst Bhuvneshwar Kumar is my play in the top India wicket taker market.
Bets: Top India Bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar at 3/1 with BetXchange
Top India run scorer KL Rahul at 26/10 with BetXchange
Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R10,000 here
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
More tips, news and views are available on the ICC T20 World Cup Cricket thread on our discussion forum. If you are new to our community you can open an
Subscribe to our free weekly betting mailer which will include our best and value bets below.
