A betting preview and tips for the 2026 T20 World Cup matches taking place on Wednesday 11th February including South Africa v Afghanistan, Australia v Ireland and England v West Indies
WEATHERING THE CHALLENGES OF WEDNESDAY
There is a storm brewing in World Cup country. On Wednesday the weather warning is well and truly out as there are two possible pool-deciding clashes rolling in.
AFGHANISTAN v SOUTH AFRICA, Ahmedabad
With Afghanistan losing their opener against New Zealand it’s pretty much a win-or-bust for Rashid Khan’s men in Ahmedabad. They better bring their raincoats as they will have to weather the storm that is the South African cricket side at present.
The Proteas come into this one off the back of a decent first outing with the willow and with pitch experience after taking care of business against Canada on Monday. But will the sun be shining on the Rainbow Nation come Wednesday.
Top Afghanistan Batter – D Rasooli @ 11.00 with Pokerbet
The Proteas will be sure to try and blow the Afghan top order away with their quicks, so I am looking for someone lower down the order.
Afghanistan Total sixes – Over 6.5 @ 2.12 with Pokerbet
There is plenty of power in this Afghan line-up. The likes of Gurbaz, Naib, Omarzai and lower down even Nabi and Rashid are all capable of getting the big ones. The SA attack will come with fire but I’m confident their opponents can still give the umpires plenty of exercise in raising their arms.
Player to score most sixes – Q de Kock @ 9.00 with Pokerbet
Quinny couldn’t find the middle on Monday but I’m sure he will be back to his best on Wednesday. It should be easier to attack earlier doors and De Kock will be keen to bring the heat. He is much shorter as top batter and as such I opt for the bigger price of him targeting the big ones.
AUSTRALIA v IRELAND, Colombo (RPS)
The Aussies finally have to pack their deck chairs away and swop a beach day for their day jobs. The Irish could be in for a scorcher if the cut-throat version of their opponents pitch up but they will take heart from the fact that they have a game under their belts and it was at this same venue.
Australia have experienced some dark clouds around their campaign with injuries impacting their squad selection. The late loss of Pat Cummins is a big one for their overall campaign but shouldn’t stop the wind being in their sails for their opener in Sri Lanka.
Match Sixes – Under 13.5 @ 1.86 with Pokerbet
Ireland managed only one six at this venue against Sri Lanka. The Aussies have a powerful unit, but they might need a match to get their six-hitting radar spot on I think.
Man of the Match – A Zampa @ 9.00
The leggy is sure to get some assistance from the track. Hopefully the Aussies bowl first, or should they bat there is they chance that they share the runs around a bit. Should either of these occur then an Australia bowler will be in the running.
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ENGLAND v WEST INDIES, Wankhede
England and the Windies have both gotten their campaign off to winning starts but each of them experienced periods of both sunshine and shade during their wins over Nepal and Scotland respectively. Especially so for the Poms.
It was fun in the sun for the Islanders for the most part of their match against Scotland, but their bowling attack did look to lack bite halfway through the Scottish innings.
Nepal came agonisingly close to stunning the English with a lightning bolt from nowhere. It almost scorched the campaign of the Englishmen, but the clouds have cleared and they need to set their sights on getting past the Windies as it will all but guarantee them a spot in the Group of eight.
Match Total Sixes – Over 17.5 @ 1.81 with Pokerbet
The Wankhede hardly showered us with runs but these teams are experts at clearing the rope. I can’t help but take this bet on these two dynamic hitting units.
Top Match Bowler – G Motie @ 11.00 with Pokerbet
Despite five from Shephard I feel Motie was the best Windies bowler on show in their opener. Adhil Rashid was my strong pre-tournament fancy, but his figures looked like a hurricane ran through town at the end of the first match. I expect Rashid to be better but can’t see him coming into this clash with a lot of confidence.
West Indies Top Batter – SE Rutherford @ 7.00 with Pokerbet
Hetmeyer is in top touch at present but Rutherford enjoyed great form during the SA20. I’m hoping for champagne from Sherfane.