2022 T20 Cricket World Cup:
Super 12s – Group 1: – Ireland vs Afghanistan & England vs Australia
Group 1 of the Super 12s at the 2022 T20 World Cup could not be more open, with every side apart from New Zealand having suffered at least one defeat so far. With the Kiwis enduring a washout against Afghanistan last time out, there is plenty to play for heading into match three.
Match Preview: Ireland vs Afghanistan
Match Winner Odds:
Team Previews
Ireland
Ireland are one of the most potent affiliate nations and they overcame Zimbabwe, Scotland, and West Indies to reach the Super 12s. Victory over England last time out was historic for the boys in green and they look to be relishing this test. Andrew Balbirnie is the leader of the side and his runs at the top of the order are essential, as are the exploits of Paul Sterling – who has developed into one of the most dangerous T20 batters in the world in recent years. Mark Adair brings the X-factor of pace to the Irish attack and with support from Joshua Little and Craig Young, it is a handy-looking bowling department Ireland possess.
Afghanistan
Qualifying automatically for the Super 12s will be a huge boost for Afghanistan, who have the potential to upset a few sides in the competition, despite currently being winless from their first two matches. Ibrahim Zadran looks to be one of the most exciting talents in world cricket currently, whilst Mohammed Nabi will be doing a stellar job as captain once more for his side. In Rashid Khan, Afghanistan arguably have the best spinner in world cricket, whilst Qais Ahmad will provide the perfect foil for Khan in a supreme spin attack.
Match Betting Tips
Top Ireland Batsman – Andrew Balbirnie – 4/1
Fresh off his 60-odd against England, Andrew Balbirnie will be looking to carry on his decent form.
Top Afghanistan Bowler – Rashid Khan – 3/1
Few spinners in the world can compete with Rashid Khan, who should be bang up for this one.
Ireland to win the match – 13/10
Ireland are revelling in their role of underdog and they could come out on top here.
Match Preview: England vs Australia
Match Winner Odds:
Team Previews
England
Having fallen short in the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2021, England will be eager to kick on in 2022. Losing to Ireland will be a wakeup call to new captain Jos Buttler, as England seek their first T20 World Cup win since 2010. Alex Hales is back in the fold and he will be eager to put a performance in, whilst Liam Livingstone has developed into one of the most devastating players in the world. Ben Stokes needs no introduction in the middle order, whilst spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali will be tasked with taking wickets economically.
Australia
Defending T20 World Champions Australia will be chasing their second win of the tournament, having lost to New Zealand but beaten Sri Lanka. Captain Aaron Finch will once again be looking to fire from the off at the top of the order, alongside David Warner. Marcus Stoinis will be as metronomic as ever in the middle order whilst Glenn Maxwell provides a real X-factor. The seam bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will also be integral to any Australian success in this match.
Match Betting Tips
Top England Batsman – Dawid Malan – 33/10
Going big has been a problem for England so far down under but Dawid Malan has looked most likely.
Top Australian Bowler – Mitchell Starc – 28/10
Pace could be key here and Mitchell Starc has it in abundance.
Australia to win the match – 8/10
Australia will be enjoying the prospect of putting England under the pump and they would do that with a win here.
