A betting preview and tips for the 2026 T20 World Cup matches taking place on Monday 16th February including Afghanistan v UAE, England v Italy and Australia v Sri Lanka
BUILDING INTO WEEK 2
Some campaigns are taking shape and others require a serious renovation project. Let’s look at who will start the 2nd week of the tournament building towards success.
AFGHANISTAN v UAE, Delhi
The Afghans feel like the forgotten team since they have now lost their opening two games, but Rashid Khan’s men come agonisingly close to trumping the Proteas on Wednesday. I haven’t gotten over the craziness of that contest so goodness knows how Johnathan Trott’s side will be able to bounce back.
Unlike their opponent, UAE actually have a “W” behind their names and will fancy their chances of upsetting a side who might mentally still be elsewhere.
Player to Score Most Sixes – G Naib @ 12.00 with Pokerbet
Gurbaz should comfortably be the favourite in this market but at the price the ex-bodybuilder, Gulbadin looks a solid play. He comes in at number 3 and whilst making a duck against SA, he pumped 4 big ones against New Zealand.
Player of the Match – Rashid Khan @ 7.00 with Pokerbet
The skipper will surely want to get some good vibes going in the tournament and I reckon UAE could struggle to read the variations that his bowling offers.
ENGLAND v ITALY, Eden Gardens
England seem to have arrived in India thinking that reaching the knockouts would be as easy as building sand castles on the beach, but Harry’s men will have to get their hard hats on, buckle up the toolbelts and ensure they get the job done over the passionate Italians to book their spot in the Super 8’s.
It will be tough for Italy to pitch up for this one they need to construct a long ladder down from cloud 9 – their location after pulling off a historic thumping of Nepal. As feisty as the Italians were against Nepal, the Poms will surely be looking to put the final nail in their World Cup campaign and send them back to pasta country.
Player to Score Most Sixes – T Banton @ 9.00 with Pokerbet
Banton finally hit some form against the Scots and even if his stay isn’t the longest one at the crease, his hits usually are. He picked up three on Saturday and I’m hoping he keeps building the skyscrapers to our betting success.
Player of the Match – JC Archer @ 8.50 with Pokerbet
The English have stuttered with the bat for the most part, but I expect Archer to lay the ground work for victory but knocking the Italians over with his pace and bounce.
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AUSTRALIA v SRI LANKA, Pallekele
Australia find themselves in quite the pickle in Pallekele. The home side have the perfect opportunity to pack the bags of the Aussies and all but drop them off at the airport. However, should Sri Lanka slip up it’s all square and all to play for in Group between these 3 and Zimbabwe.
Australia was comprehensively outplayed by Zimbabwe on Friday. The Aussie attack looked toothless, and their batsmen never really go going in the chase. Sri Lanka haven’t really been tested, but their two remaining opponents will prove a much higher hurdle to clear. Can the hosts get the vital last brick in place and complete paving their way to the playoffs?
Both Teams to Score 180 – Yes @ 4.00 with Pokerbet
I’ve gone from expecting Pallekele to be the worst batting track to anticipating both teams going large here. The home team constructed a total of 225 against Oman on this wicket and whilst the Aussies have struggled for batting confidence they still have plenty of fire power in their ranks.
Australia Top Batter – MT Renshaw @ 8.00 with Pokerbet
Renshaw has comfortably been the best in the Aussie ranks thus far.
Player the Score Most Sixes – P Nissanka @ 8.50 with Pokerbet
The aggressive opening bat has been in good touch and he loves a big hit. I reckon he is good value to cement a win for us.
Note, odds are subject to change