There are two big game in the World Cup on Sunday and Monday as India and Australia meet in London before South Africa tackle the Windies in a do-or-die clash at the Rose Bowl.
Australia vs India (Sunday @ 11:30) – The Oval
SETTING THE SCENE
Australia were given a proper scare by the Windies on Thursday yet were able to recover from a top order collapse to post an impressive 288 at Trent Bridge. In defence of this total it was Mitch Starc who led the attack with beautiful killer bowling at the death.
India have only been in action on one occasion and that was in Southampton where they picked up a comfortable six wicket victory over South Africa. With the ball Bumrah struck early whilst Chahal tied the SA batsmen in knots in the middle overs. Batting wise there were a few little areas of concern for the Indians as they had their odd issues with pace and bounce but in the end they got the job done with plenty of room to spare.
The Oval has somewhat surprisingly offered up some of the better batting conditions in the tournament thus far. Yet one has to say that the World Cup thus far has shown how true the statement rings that one often looks up in England rather than down when assessing the playing conditions. When there is some cloud about the batsmen can ready themselves for a bit of a challenge.
LET’S TALK TACTICS
Australia will be hoping to hit India early with Starc and Cummins. I am not yet convinced of the depth of this Indian line-up and from something like 50/3 they could find it tough getting themselves out of trouble in the same why teams like England and Aus have. India for their part will hope to knock over a few early and then leave it in the hands of their spin twins to tie a ribbon on the result. Australia have the edge in terms of batting depth and quicks whilst India have the advantage in the spin department and proven batting performers in the top order who are also on form.
I still feel this Indian batting order could be found out if Starc and Cummins can nip out a few early scalps. Of course, should India be only one wicket down at the 15th over mark this game could be all over bar the shouting. The Bumrah versus Starc match-up should prove a thrilling one as will Smith v Kohli.
HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT
The toss could play a huge role if there is some early cloud cover and thus movement around. With two strong bowling units I expect the openers to have a tougher time and as such players a bit lower down the order could come into this match in a big way.
Bets with BETOLIMP:
Top Aus Batsman – Steve Smith @ 4.50
Top India Batsman – Virat Kohli @ 3.00
Man of the Match – Mitch Starc @ 13.00
South Africa vs Windies (Monday @ 11:30) – Southampton
SETTING THE SCENE
South Africa return to the scene of the crime having come unstuck against India at this same venue last Wednesday. The South African public have endured some serious World Cup torture from their team over the years and as such the dramatic shunning of the side can perhaps be understood. The Proteas will be keen to right the ship and show their home fans that they at the very least still have some fight left in them. The South Africans seem unsure of their best team combination at present an none of the batsmen have been able to carry a promising start through to a significant total.
Unlike their counterparts the Windies have made a positive start to the tournament. The islanders humiliated Pakistan in their first outing and came within a whisker of surprising the mighty Aussies as well. The Windies’ quicks are all firing on full throttle and have made life incredibly tough for both their opponents thus far. With the bat they are hardly steady and reliable, but they certainly are all flair.
The Rose Bowl is usually a decent batting wicket but South Africa and India both made it look like a bit of a minefield. With some overcast conditions around we could see the sparks fly in Southampton between the two sets of seam bowlers.
LET’S TALK TACTICS
He has been a shadow of the top IPL performer we know and love but if the Rose Bowl settles down into more of a batting-friendly surface Tahir could just prove to be the difference between these two sides. The Proteas won’t be intimated by the strong quick attack of the Windies but will have to find their batting form in a big way for this clash. The Windies will back their in-form fire bolts to rip into a struggling SA line-up whilst they certainly pack the fire power with the willow to put the likes of Tahir, Phehlukwayo and Morris under serious pressure.
HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT
The Saffas know they can’t afford to lose this clash and I reckon this hunger will see them get over the line. Tahir loves nothing more than leading his side to triumph, so I expect him to lead the Protea charge.Of course one can’t ignore the fact that the men in maroon just have incredible hitting power.
Bets with BETOLIMP:
To win the match – South Africa @ 1.88
Top SA Bowler – Imran Tahir @ 4.00
West Indies number of sixes – over 7.5 @ 1.80
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
