A betting preview and tips for the 2026 T20 World Cup matches taking place on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th February including West Indies v Italy, Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Afghanistan v Canada and Australia v Oman
MAKING MAGIC ONE LAST TIME
For some teams the past two weeks has been a magical experience whilst others would prefer the trick of hypnosis to help them forget about what took place in India and Sri Lanka. Let’s take a look at the last few matches of Pool stage action.
ITALY v WEST INDIES, Eden Gardens
Italy attended this even looking for that elusive World Cup “W” and they collected this in style against Nepal. But do they have a final trick up their sleeves - can they catch the Windies with misdirection as they are already start focussing on the Super 8 phase.
Whilst the prospect of the Super 8 will be looming large for the Islanders, they will also be licking their lips at having a go at the Italian bowling attack at Eden Gardens. They managed 182/6 against Scotland but should they get the chance to have a go at batting first, the likes of Hope, King, Hetmeyer and Rutherford will be eying a disappearing trick with the ball.
Player to Score Most Fours – S Hetmeyer @ 8.00 with Pokerbet
Hetmeyer is more prolific at smoking the big hits but if he can get to the crease early he can keep the ball on the carpet and keep the umpires busy with horizontal arm swinging.
Italy Total Sixes – Over 5.5 @ 1.87 with Pokerbet
Whilst their opponents are known for getting the big hits the Italians have proven very capable in this department. The Mosca brother, JJ Smuts and the Manenti brothers have all shown their abilities to clear the rope.
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SRI LANKA v ZIMBABWE, Colombo (RPS)
Zimbabwe have pulled off their Houdini Act as they escape a Pool stage knockout. The pressure is off for both teams and they can loosen the shackles and give the home supporters a good exhibition.
The men from Zim return to the scene of their most magical moment – dispatching Australia out of the competition. It isn’t the most free-scoring track, with the highest total thus far being the 182 Australia posted against Ireland. Interestingly enough the team batting first has enjoyed success on all four occasions thus far.
Top Batter – Pavan Rathnayake @ 11.00 with Pokerbet
Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have both shown superb form, but Rathnayake has also looked decent with a 60 earlier in the comp. Muzarabani has been devastating with the new ball in hand so this pick also accounts for the potential of early Blessing success.
Player of the Match – D Hemantha @ 13.00 with Pokerbet
Pick a card, any card… I’m picking the injury replacement for Hasaranga on this occasion. Dushan Hemantha showed signs of settling into his work against the Aussies as he picked up 3 wickets. The leggy could prove tough to handle for the Zimbabweans.
Afghanistan failed to pull a rabbit out of the hat having been drawn in the Group of Death for the Pool stages. It has been far from a poor outing for the Afghans as they pushed the Proteas all the way, and then some!
They might be on their way home, but I expect Afghanistan to want to finish to a standing ovation.
Canada Player to Score Most Fours – Y Samra @ 5.00 with Pokerbet
The classy young lefty came good against the Kiwis and I’m hoping he takes some of this form into this clash.
Afghanistan Total Sixes – Over 7.5 @ 1.87 with Pokerbet
Gurbaz, Naib and Omarzai are all solid strikers for the Afghans. I think they will be keen to make some magic one last time at the 2026 event.
Top Bowler – N Ahmad @ 6.50 with Pokerbet
Noor hasn’t been at his best in the tournament, but he remains a danger. I reckon the Canadians will find it tough to keep the wrist spinner quiet.
AUSTRALIA v OMAN, Pallekele
Will Australia exit stage left with a final roar or with a whimper?
The Aussies have been woeful in this tournament. They didn’t have the necessary fire power with the ball and with the willow their big names proved much bigger in reputation than performance. Head, Maxell, David and Stoinis sounds like a formidable line-up but on the lawn they have proven below average.
I do believe the ego of the Aussies will lead them waving the magic wand and ending with a solid performance.
Australia Total Sixes – Over 8.5 @ 2.12 with Pokerbet
I’m expecting some razzle-dazzle from Head and Marsh at the top regardless of whether they bat first or second.
Player of the Match – N Ellis @ 15.00 with Pokerbet
Ellis has looked the most threatening of the Aussie bowlers thus far and at this price he is worth a nibble.
Note, odds are subject to change