A betting preview and tips for the 2026 T20 World Cup matches taking place on the 24th and 25th February including England v Pakistan and New Zealand v Sri Lanka
WEIGHING IT UP – Tuesday 24 February & Wednesday 25 February
The first round of Super 8 action has taken place, and some teams find themselves on the wrong side of the scale as weigh-ins are upon us.
ENGLAND v PAKISTAN, Pallekele – Tuesday 24 Feb
Pallekele seemed a buffet for batters earlier in the tournament – Sri Lanka piled on 225 against Oman and chased down the 180 Australia set them in only 18 overs last Monday. Yet this venue went down like a cabbage soup diet on Sunday with both England and the homes side struggling – only Salt was able to stomach it. The 30 scored by Dasun Shanaka was the highest individual score for Sri Lanka.
Given the above it’s a tough task concluding on what to expect from the crucial 22 meters of turf that will impact the outcome of the game (and our bets). To make matters worse it’s almost as difficult calling the Poms right as it is to lose weight over December.
Pakistan Top Bowler – Shadab Khan @ 4.50 with Pokerbet
I picked Usman Tariq last time out but given the number of right handers in the English top order I prefer the option that spins it away from their power hitters.
Player to Score Most Sixes – WG Jacks @ 10.00 with Pokerbet
As he bats lower down the order one can probably understand the price, but Jacks is the one form batter in the English line-up and he’s hitting it sweeter than a (forbidden) koeksister at present.
Man of the Match – J Archer @ 10.00 Pokerbet
Archer stung the Sri Lankans like the first jog of the year after a superb Festive. I’m looking at the big quick to knock the wind out of opponents again here.
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SRI LANKA v NEW ZEALAND, Colombo (RPS) – Wednesday 25 Feb
The co-hosts need to take a big bite out of the Kiwis or they will go to bed hungry and have to wait another year before competing for a title. The rained-out game between New Zealand and Pakistan left those two teams on 1 log point and England gained two from toppling Sri Lanka. As such a loss for the home team in Colombo will lead to their early elimination.
Mid-way through Sunday’s clash Sri Lanka were sitting pretty but all of sudden the fat was in the frying pan. Dashun Shanaka’s side has now slipped to two straight defeats, and one wonders if there is anything left in the tank to turn the tide against a well-balanced Black Caps outfit.
New Zealand Top Batter – GD Phillips @ 6.00 with Pokerbet
I’m happy sticking with this bet given the fact that Sri Lanka will throw a lot of spin at the Kiwis. Phillips is well equipped to cope with this - he’ll tip the scales in our favour.
Player of the Match – LH Ferguson @ 17.00 with Pokerbet
The new dad will be front and centre to lead the charge for the Black Caps with hostile bowling. Lockie will be doing the heavy lifting for us.
Note, odds are subject to change