The second ICC T20 World Cup semi-final takes place in Dubai on Thursday and we take a look at the match from a betting angle.
Pakistan were the only team in the group stages to finish the Super-12 section with a 100% record, winning all 5 of their games. They were particularly impressive earlier on with wins over India, New Zealand and they also comfortably saw off Namibia and Afghanistan before beating Scotland in their last game.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat racking up an impressive 189 for 4 in their 20 overs with Babar Azam top scoring with 66 at a strike rate of 140 and it was a whirlwind 54 off just 18 balls from Shoaib Malik at the end of the innings. Scotland were never likely to challenge and could only reach 117/6 in their 20 overs. There were solid bowling performances all round, but Shadab Khan with his 2 for 14 in 4 overs had the best figures.
Australia finished level on points with England and South Africa in Group 1, but they were behind the English on net run rate, but ahead of South Africa who they edged out of the second qualification place.
They had opened their Tournament with a somewhat nervy victory over South Africa, chasing a low target and their only defeat was a big one against England. They had to build their net run rate in their last 2 games and they did that with a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh in under 7 overs followed by a comfortable win over the West Indies on Saturday.
It was a game which Australia were desperate to win and when the West Indies were sent in to bat Australia probably didn’t expect them to get 157 in their 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers in terms of wickets with 4 for 39 in his 4 overs, but from an economy point of view, Adam Zampa was once again on point with 1 for 20 in his 4 overs. It was a potentially challenging total, but Australia went hard from the start and ended up winning with almost 4 overs to spare and 8 wickets in hand. David Warner led the charge with 89 unbeaten runs at a strike rate of 158 and Mitch Marsh also weighed in with 53 at a strike rate of 165.
Looking at the Outright Markets, Pakistan are 28/10 to lift the trophy with Australia just behind them in the betting at 3/1.
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BETTING – Click here to bet
Pakistan 17/20
Australia 1/1
Suggested Bet: Pakistan win at 17/20
Pakistan have historically been a side that has collapsed without warning, but I have been very impressed with this team and I think they can justify favouritism against an Australian side that is starting to gain momentum, but may just be lacking in one or two key areas.
Suggested Bet: Top Pakistani Batsman, Babar Azam at 19/10
This man is pure quality and looking in great form and I am expecting him to rise to the occasion and put on a show against the Aussies.
Suggested Bet: Highest individual score, over 60.5 runs at 17/20
Both of these teams have top orders packed with talent and I expect at least one of them to kick on and get a big score.
Suggested Bet: Top Australian Bowler, Adam Zampa at 11/4
He has really impressed me in this Tournament and I am expecting him to be amongst the wickets once again.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
