Cricket World Cup: Wins for South Africa and Ireland in prospect
Published:
Two fascinating Pool B games kick off the fourth weekend of the Cricket World Cup 2015, with South Africa and Pakistan getting underway at Hamilton’s Eden Park, shortly before Ireland and Zimbabwe start hostilities in Hobart, Tasmania.
Keeping with tradition a month into the tournament here at News.Ladbrokes we’ve attempted to uncover a profitable wager or two on each contest.
Although the Proteas lost out to India in their second game in Pool B, they’ve bounced back in spectacular fashion, making scores in excess of 400 in the ensuing two fixtures to claim victories.
It’s this contrast in batting power which should prove the difference against a Pakistan side who’ve looked toothless at the top of the order, getting past 250 just once against the UAE, the worst team in the competition.
South Africa opener Quinton de Kock is the only one of the first-choice top six yet to make a hundred in the competition, though he scored his maiden ODI ton against Pakistan in 2013 which may inspire a return to form.
The 9/4 about the wicket-keeper hitting a fifty at Eden Park appeals.
With Pakistan facing a tough fixture, the Irish can seize their opportunity to surpass Misbah-ul-Haq’s men in Pool B’s running order thanks to this game in hand against Zimbabwe.
Still to face Pakistan in the group-stages, victory in Tasmania for Ireland would represent a giant leap towards the knockouts and its the Shamrock’s settled batting line-up which can provide it.
All of the Irish top order have contributed to getting two wins on the board, not least number four Niall O’Brien who has averaged 55 over three knocks and looks a shoo-in at 5/6 to surpass 25 runs against Zimbabwe.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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