England take on New Zealand in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for a place in the T20 World Cup Final.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting now that we have our four semi-finalists confirmed. England are currently trading at 18/10 favourites with Pakistan 28/10, you can get 3/1 Australia and 9/2 New Zealand.
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England finished level on points with Australia and South Africa in Group 1, but topped the Group on the basis of a far superior net run rate.
They won their first 4 matches with their final match coming against the Proteas where they won the toss and elected to field. The South Africans batted well to register a 189 for 2 in their 20 overs and Moeen Ali was the pick of the bowlers with 1 for 27 in his 4 overs.
England began their chase knowing they didn’t need to win the game, but just keep their net run rate above the likes of Australia and South Africa to qualify and top the Group. Jason Roy retired with what is unfortunately a tournament injury on 20 runs and there were contributions from a number of players including Moeen Ali who topped score with 37 off 27 balls.
New Zealand finished runners-up to Pakistan in Group 2, winning 4 of their 5 matches with the only defeat coming to Pakistan. They knew that all they needed in their final match was a victory against Namibia and having been sent into bat, Namibia restricted them to 163 for 4 off 20 overs. There were contributions from all of the batsmen, but a particularly quick, unbeaten 5th wicket partnership between Phillips and Neesham saw them to a respectable score. Phillips scored 39 off 21 balls and Neesham 35 off 23 balls.
New Zealand then restricted Namibia to 111 for 7 in their 20 overs with Southee and Boult both impressing at the top of the order with 2 for 15 and 2 for 20 respectively in their 4 overs.
BETTING – Click here to bet
England 6/10
New Zealand 14/10
Suggested Bet: New Zealand to win the Tournament at 9/2
You can get 14/10 that New Zealand win this match and I give them a strong chance against an England side that will have its balance disrupted somewhat with the unavailability of Jason Roy. To me the 9/2 outright looks an attractive price and if they win this game they certainly won’t go into the final as big underdogs irrespective of whether they play Pakistan or Australia.
Suggested Bet: Most match 6’s, New Zealand at 17/10
England were outscored in the 6’s department by the Proteas and New Zealand have plenty of players who can clear the boundary. The loss of Roy, a prolific 6 hitter is another reason why I think the 17/10 New Zealand is a great price.
Suggested Bet: Man of the Match, Trent Boult at 12/1
If New Zealand are to cause an upset here I think it is going to be on the back of an impressive bowling performance and who better to lead from the front than the fiery and in form Trent Boult.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
