A betting preview and tips for the 2026 T20 World Cup matches taking place on the 27th and 28th February including England v New Zealand and Pakistan v Sri Lanka
GUNNING FOR GLORY (Part 1) – Friday 27 February & Saturday 28 February
Sri Lanka hosts a straight shootout between New Zealand and Pakistan on Friday and Saturday. Should the Kiwis beat the Poms, then the Saturday’s clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be relegated to an insignificant shouting match, but the sparks could fly in Pallakele should the Pakistani’s still have a shot at the semi-finals after an English victory in Colombo.
ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND, Colombo (RPS)
Whilst all the pressure will be on New Zealand to secure the “W” and secure their place in the comp for a few more days, the Black Caps do have the advantage of recent, first-hand experience of coping with the tougher Colombo batting conditions.
For much of the tournament it felt as if the English had brought a knife to a gun fight, yet somehow, they were the first team through to the semi-finals and sure to be in action next week. Of course, there are two ways to look at this.
1. England have scraped through thus far whilst not hitting their peak, so beware anyone who gets caught in their crosshairs on the day that everything clicks, or
2. Its surely just a question of time before the patchy form of the Poms trip them up.
This particular duel on Friday promises to be an interesting one as you have the New Zealanders who seem to be the ultimate well-rounded group where everyone pitches in having a stand-off against England who are likely to rely on one or two of their gun players coming off for them on the day. Who will prove to have the bigger arsenal at their disposal come Friday evening?
New Zealand Top Batter – MS Chapman @ 10.00 with Pokerbet
Chapman walked out at number 6 against Sri Lanka but was castled like someone who took a headshot two balls into his innings. I believe the batting order is often influenced by the left-right combo and as such am happy taking a nibble at this price on a man who top-scored for his side against the Proteas.
Player of the Match – IS Sodhi @ 17.00 with Pokerbet
It is likely to be a battle of the spinners. Sodhi was used sparingly but I reckon he will need to fire if the Kiwis are to pick up the victory.
Most Sixes – England @ 2.03 Pokerbet
The English have the freedom to express themselves and I think they won’t shy away from taking their shot(s).
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SRI LANKA v PAKISTAN, Pallekele – Saturday 28 Feb
By the time the first ball is bowled on Saturday we will know exactly what is at stake in Pallekele. Either way, we know the Sri Lankan faithful won’t be celebrating their team progressing further – but will they at least be celebrating a final victory?
The Pallekele track is by far the best batting pitch in Sri Lanka but for this game it is two strong bowling line-ups ready to do target practice against weak-looking batting orders.
To win the game – Pakistan @ 1.74
I think the ammo is finished and the surrender has been declared by the hosts. Pakistan to take the win, whether qualification is still in play or not.
Sri Lanka to Score a Fifty in the Match – No @ 2.45
As per above, I think the white flag has been raised.
Player of the Match – S Farhan @ 8.50 with Pokerbet
Shortish price but the sharpshooter is comfortably the best batter on show in this contest.
Note, odds are subject to change