2022 T20 Cricket World Cup:
Super 12s – Group 1: – Ireland vs England & New Zealand vs Afghanistan
The second match of the Super 12s get underway at the T20 Cricket World Cup in Australia, with plenty of big names vying for results. England and New Zealand picked up big opening wins over Afghanistan and Australia respectively, whilst Ireland fell short against Sri Lanka in their opener.
Match Winner Odds:
Team Previews
Ireland
Ireland remain one of the most potent affiliate nations and they overcame Zimbabwe, Scotland, and West Indies to reach the Super 12s. 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. Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany are two genuine all-rounders, who can change the game with both bat and ball, and they could be vital here. 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.
England
Having fallen short in the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2021, England will be eager to kick on in 2022. Under new captain Jos Buttler, few sides in the world are as pleasing on the eye and they will be seeking 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, as they look to back up their comfortable opening win over Afghanistan.
Match Preview: England vs Ireland
Match Betting Tips
Top England Batsman – Liam Livingstone – 7/1
Lancashire batter Liam Livingstone is a man in red-hot form, with a point to prove.
Top Ireland Bowler – Josh Little – 3/1
Pace could be key here and Josh Little has plenty of it for the Ireland team.
England to win the match – 1/12
There will be no love lost here between England and Ireland, but it should be Jos Buttler’s side who prevail here.
Match Preview: New Zealand vs Afghanistan
Match Winner Odds:
Team Previews
New Zealand
Not having won a major tournament is a stick the New Zealand side continue to be beaten with but their talents are endless, especially in favourable conditions. Kane Williamson will once again lead his side throughout the tournament, with the dangerous Finn Allen opening the batting above him. Glenn Phillips has emerged as a real force in the middle order, with Michael Bracewell excelling in the all-rounder role. Seamers Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Adam Milne are all sure to have a part to play here too and how they will want to back up their incredible opening match win over Australia.
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. 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 New Zealand Batsman – Finn Allen – 3/1
Few players hit the ball as hard as Finn Allen and he will be at it from the off here.
Top Afghanistan Bowler – Rashid Khan – 24/10
Rashid Khan is one of the very best spinners around and he could trouble the Kiwis here.
New Zealand to win the match – 1/5
Afghanistan will be in this match, but New Zealand are a side in fantastic form.
