CRICKET BETTING: Live On Sky Sports 1: Thu & Fri 16.00 England v Sri Lanka followed by Australia v Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup Semi Finals. Compare odds and bet at the best prices.
The Super 8’s have concluded in dramatic fashion as the 4 semi-finalists were dredged out of the numerous permutations inherent with group stage cricket.
On Thursday, England will face Sri Lanka and on Thursday, Australia will come against Pakistan in the second semi. Pakistan came through after victory over South Africa and Australia powered their way through with a crushing defeat of the host nation, the West Indies.
Australia can still be backed at odds against, 11/8 with Boylesports, and on previous displays at this competition, that price looks like a gift. Australia have swept all before them with 5 wins from 5 including maulings of Sri Lanka, West Indies and India.
Pakistan, who, by a quirk of cricket run rates, have squeezed into the semi’s with 2 wins from 5, are outsiders at 5/1 with Bet365. This would also reflect the fact they face Australia in the semi. Pakistan have looked ordinary at times and it will take a special effort to progress to the final.
England have probably been the 2nd best team in the tournament, totesport chalk up 3/1 against them to win. They won all 3 Super 8’s games; in fine fashion against South Africa and slightly more tense circumstances against NZ. But it is England’s trepidation against Antipodean teams that means they won’t win this tournament without an extra special effort, should they meet Australia in the final.
Finally Sri Lanka recovered from a crushing defeat to Australia to win in spirited fashion against India. Whilst the win over the Indians was a fantastic chase, India were in poor form and Sri Lanka’s openers failed. Jayasuriya again disappointed, he has only scored 14 runs in 5 efforts. Sri Lanka are 4/1 with Victor Chandler and have to get past England to make the final in what could be an explosive encounter.
Jayawardene, barring some massive knocks, looks set for top batsmen of the tournament, 1/4 with Betdaq.
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