Couch Critic looks at the pick of the weekend’s cricket action 23rd and 24th March including the opening game in the IPL.
SATURDAY 23 MARCH
CSK vs RCB – IPL19 Opening Game @ 16:30 (Chennai)
Surely the biggest rivalry in the 20 over format sees Chennai and Bangalore cross swords. It is the opener of the 2019 IPL tournament and fans will be keen to see what to expect from two of the best supported sides in India. The CSK fans will be hoping for more of the same from their team whilst the RCB crowd travel to Chennai in hope of a AB and Kohli masterclass to get their campaign underway with a bang.
Verdict: RCB usually struggle to get their starting line-up perfectly balanced and CSK will be keen on getting off to a winning start in front of their home fans. I’m backing the yellow army to be smiling at the end of this opener. Keep an eye out for the Protea skipper, Faf Dup starting the tournament with a bang in the opener!
SUNDAY 24 MARCH
PAKISTAN vs AUSTRALIA – 2nd ODI @ 13:00 (Sharjah)
The Aussies sans Smith and Warner stunned the cricketing world by coming back from 2-0 down and beating the Indians in their own backyard. They move straight onto the UAE to try and replicate this effort against the dangerous Pakistanis. Known for their inconsistency the Paki batsmen often fail to deliver but it is their bowling unit that could hold the most danger to the visitors. It once again promises to be a battle between a team with lethal bowlers facing a side who have a batting order that are finding their feet and confidence at the right time.
Verdict: This one is too tough to call with any confidence.
SOUTH AFRICA vs SRI LANKA – 3rd T20I @ 14:30 (Wanderers)
We get a glimpse of the future as the Proteas give a number of fresh faces a run with some of their superstars away on IPL duty. Watch out for Sinethemba Qeshile getting a run as well as Sipamla looking to show the depth in the ranks behind the likes of Steyn and Rabada.
Verdict: Even without some top players the Proteas will look to keep the good times rolling against a Sri Lankan outfit that will be keen on getting the tour over and done with after seeing their levels drop off badly after their brilliant test efforts. Watch out for an in-form Markram getting his chance at the top of the order.
Here are my betting picks to look out for with BETOLIMP for the weekend’s cricket:
CSK to beat RCB @ 1.80
Look out for Aiden Markram as Best Home Batsman @ around 4.00 in the Porteas v Sri Lanka T20.
Additional Bets:
The Momentum Cup has its final round on Saturday (starting @ 13:30). I would advise taking the Lions to upset the Dolphins @ 2.29 as well as a double of the Cobras beating the Warriors onto the Titans sticking it to the Knights @ 2.56.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
