The two outsiders for the Cricket World Cup form the Tuesday match in the tournament when Afghanistan and Sri Lanka battle it out, potentially to avoid the wooden spoon in a big game for both sides in Cardiff.
Unfortunately the forecast for this match does not look the best but hopefully the rain will miss the venue and we can enjoy what should be a competitive game of cricket given what is on the line for these two Asian nations.
AllSportsBetting Podcast
As with all the matches in this tournament, Kev and Steve have got together to preview a big match for them betting wise. Here them preview the contest and discuss the bets by clicking play below.
Afghanistan
I had a feeling going into the tournament that Afghanistan would be more competitive than their odds suggested and most casual cricket watchers may have thought. The interesting thing was always going to be how many competitive spells they could turn into victories and although they didn’t do that against Australia, given that it was their first game in English conditions and of the tournament, they put up a good showing against a leading contender for this event which bodes well for them.
What was pleasing to see was the way that Afghanistan dug themselves out of trouble with the bat to post something that gave their bowlers half a chance in a normal game. Australia are one of the better teams in the tournament but Afghanistan created some pressure and generally put up a performance that was a decent platform to build on.
Sri Lanka
If there was plenty to be optimistic about for Afghanistan it was completely the opposite end of the scale for Sri Lanka. They were horrible against New Zealand and the real concerning thing for them was the key bowler for New Zealand – Trent Boult – never really had much of an impact on the match. The Sri Lankans looked gun shy with the bat and that only exposed the clear weakness in their side which was the bowling.
Any sports team will look for positives heading into any match and I guess one for Sri Lanka would be that they played on this ground in their first outing so at least the pitch should hold no surprises for them. It goes without saying that they are going to have to put up a much better showing here if they are to avoid successive defeats which would leave them staring down the barrel of finishing bottom of the pile.
Team News
Afghanistan have no massive need to change their plans but with weather expected to be around it might be that they drop one of the spinners and bring in the extra seamer, or even another batsman as they have plenty of bowling options.
Sri Lanka must surely make some sort of change after that debacle against New Zealand even if it is only a switch in the batting order. Jeevan Mendis could be vulnerable if they want to bring another seamer in given he made little impression in the first game.
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Betting
I was much more optimistic about the hopes of Afghanistan compared to Sri Lanka heading into the tournament and nothing has changed in that regard based on the opening matches. It would be hard for Sri Lanka to be so bad again but they have to make up a lot of ground against an Afghanistan side who match up well to them in fairness. Putting it simply, I think Afghanistan are the better team right now. Sri Lanka also have a hoodoo at this ground to deal with. They have played five ODIs here, lost the lot and by margins of one wicket, eight wickets, 122 runs, three wickets and 10 wickets – rarely do they get close. As long as Afghanistan can cope with the pressures that come with expecting to win a match at this level I expect them to do exactly that.
I think the big thing that stood out from these sides is the composure and confidence of the two sets of batsmen. Afghanistan looked to get on the front foot and go on the attack while Sri Lanka were timid, gun shy and ready to be shot out. It isn’t like Sri Lanka can say they faced the better bowling attack either because Afghanistan faced Australia’s which might be the best in the competition. Afghanistan took that Aussie attack for seven sixes and that bodes well for them to win the most sixes match here against a Sri Lankan side lacking big hitters at the best of times.
Finally I should probably have another punt on Isuru Udana to top score for Sri Lanka. Only one man looked comfortable in that match against New Zealand so there is a chance Udana comes in when the top score is within reach, much like he did on Saturday. If he does he might be able to get a few away this time and land the 40/1 quotes. Despite his duck on Saturday, Udana still averages over 30 in ODI cricket which highlights that he can bat. He’s worth a few pennies once again.
Tips
Back Afghanistan to beat Sri Lanka for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Coral
Back them here:
WON – Back Afghanistan Most 6s for a 4/10 stake at 2.10 with Betway
Back them here:
Back I.Udana Top Sri Lanka Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 41.00 with Betfair
Back him here:
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