ICC World T20 2012

[kevshat]

The global tournament of the cricket year is almost upon us. The fourth staging of the T20 World Cup which this year comes from Sri Lanka begins in full on Tuesday but there are warm up matches prior to that. All the main matches are live on Sky in the UK and with the amount of T20 cricket played now this promises to be the best prepared tournament in terms of the playing side and should be extremely competitive. All bets, thoughts and anything else World T20 in here :ok. Warm up schedule: [TABLE=width: 630]

[TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%]Sat Sep 15 04:00 GMT | 09:30 local 05:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] Afghanistan v Sri Lanka A Moors Sports Club Ground, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Sat Sep 15 04:00 GMT | 09:30 local 05:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] Australia v New Zealand Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Sat Sep 15 04:00 GMT | 09:30 local 05:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] Bangladesh v Zimbabwe Colts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Sat Sep 15 04:00 GMT | 09:30 local 05:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] India v Sri Lanka P Sara Oval, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Mon Sep 17 04:00 GMT | 09:30 local 05:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] Australia v England Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Mon Sep 17 04:00 GMT | 09:30 local 05:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] Bangladesh v Ireland Moors Sports Club Ground, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Mon Sep 17 04:00 GMT | 09:30 local 05:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] New Zealand v South Africa Colts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Mon Sep 17 08:30 GMT | 14:00 local 09:30 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] Afghanistan v West Indies P Sara Oval, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Mon Sep 17 08:30 GMT | 14:00 local 09:30 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] India v Pakistan R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] 26 - 28° C [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOtr] [TD=width: 25%] Wed Sep 19 04:00 GMT | 09:30 local 05:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] England v Pakistan P Sara Oval, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Tournament schedule: [TABLE=width: 630] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%]Tue Sep 18 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 1st Match, Group C - Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Wed Sep 19 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 2nd Match, Group B - Australia v Ireland R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Wed Sep 19 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 3rd Match, Group A - Afghanistan v India R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Thu Sep 20 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 4th Match, Group C - South Africa v Zimbabwe Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Fri Sep 21 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 5th Match, Group D - Bangladesh v New Zealand Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Fri Sep 21 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 6th Match, Group A - Afghanistan v England R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sat Sep 22 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 7th Match, Group C - Sri Lanka v South Africa Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sat Sep 22 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 8th Match, Group B - Australia v West Indies R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sun Sep 23 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 9th Match, Group D - New Zealand v Pakistan Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sun Sep 23 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 10th Match, Group A - England v India R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Mon Sep 24 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 11th Match, Group B - Ireland v West Indies R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Tue Sep 25 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 12th Match, Group D - Bangladesh v Pakistan Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Thu Sep 27 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 13th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 - TBC v TBC (C1 v D2) Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Thu Sep 27 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 14th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 - TBC v TBC (A1 v B2) Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Fri Sep 28 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 15th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 - TBC v TBC (D1 v C2) R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Fri Sep 28 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 16th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 - TBC v TBC (B1 v A2) R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sat Sep 29 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 17th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 - TBC v TBC (A1 v D2) Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sat Sep 29 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 18th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 - TBC v TBC (C1 v B2) Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sun Sep 30 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 19th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 - TBC v TBC (B1 v C2) R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sun Sep 30 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 20th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 - TBC v TBC (D1 v A2) R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Mon Oct 1 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 21st Match, Super Eights, Group 1 - TBC v TBC (B2 v D2) Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Mon Oct 1 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 22nd Match, Super Eights, Group 1 - TBC v TBC (A1 v C1) Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Tue Oct 2 10:00 GMT | 15:30 local 11:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 23rd Match, Super Eights, Group 2 - TBC v TBC (B1 v D1) R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Tue Oct 2 14:00 GMT | 19:30 local 15:00 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 24th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 - TBC v TBC (A2 v C2) R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Thu Oct 4 13:30 GMT | 19:00 local 14:30 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 1st Semi-Final - TBC v TBC (Super 8 Group-1 1 v Super 8 Group-2 2) R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Fri Oct 5 13:30 GMT | 19:00 local 14:30 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] 2nd Semi-Final - TBC v TBC (Super 8 Group-2 1 v Super 8 Group-1 2) R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 630, bgcolor: #FFFFFF, colspan: 4][/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: FixOdi] [TD=width: 25%] Sun Oct 7 13:30 GMT | 19:00 local 14:30 BST [/TD] [TD=width: 50%] Final - TBC v TBC R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [/TD] [TD=width: 20%] N/A [/TD] [TD=width: 5%, align: right] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Monday TV warm up preview: 3pts Pakistan to beat India 6/5 Betfred I think Pakistan are worth backing here. Although it is a warm up game we know there will be an ounce of competitiveness in it given the two nations that are involved. India’s strongest side have already played one warm up match so I expect their fringe players to get a run out here. Pakistan have another warm up match later in the week for those who aren’t expected to start for them in their first match to feature in so Pakistan could be the stronger side and look worth a mini support for a warm up win. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/india-vs-pakistan-betting-pakistan-may-well-be-stronger-in-this-warm-up-match

[Skittle]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Timings with the early afternoon games are just right for me. Looking forward to this although the vast majority of my bets will be in play.

[Liamaseire]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Wednesday Australia v Ireland Ireland to win @ 7/1 Bet365 Ok i'm a little biased here but I think with good reason.Ireland just finished their last warmup game today with a win over Bangladesh and looked pretty convincing.Paul Stirling hit 71 off just 41 balls and this was against a full strength Bangladesh side with the like of Shakik,Iqbal and Razzak.Australia just got beaten by England in their final warmup although ominously Mike Hussey looked in good nick. In the buildup to this match there is a bit of needle with Ireland having overtaken Australia in the T20 rankings.Obviously I'm not thinking for a second that Ireland have a better squad than Australia but they do have players who can make things extremely tough for the aussies. Paul Stirling is one of the most talented players around.He is good enough to play at this level and wont be long before England come knocking.Both of the O'Briens can hold their own and Kevins a fine allrounder and his change of pace will give the australians problems.Add to that the experience of Joyce,Johnston and Cusack not to mention the highly rated Dockrell and Ireland actually can pull this off. David Warner and Shane Watson could take the game away from Ireland or any country if they fire but an early wicket or two for Ireland and Australia could be in trouble as with he exception of Hussey their middle order wouldnt fill me with any confidence.Also their bowling attack doesnt have the same threat it did in the last world cup.No Brett Lee,no Johnson,Ireland dont have a lot to fear. I make Australia favourites but in 20 overs with decent players I'm taking 7/1 Ireland to pull off the upset of the tournament

[Tyler]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 I'm back for this World T20. I'll outline my outrights in a few posts. - 1pt West Indies to win the World T20 @ 13/2 each-way [Paddy Power] Probably reaching a bit here with the Windies but I honestly feel like this could be their time. When you look through their starting XI, you see a lot of talent. Twenty20 cricket is one of those games where one person having a stormer can really turn the game in your favour and when you pack Gayle, pollard, Samuels, Sammy, Narine, Rampaul, Russell and the Bravo Brothers you feel like that day may come moreoften than not. They should beat Ireland in their group and that should see them through to the Super 8’s. Man for man, they aren’t better than some other nations here but if they get off to a good start, the confidence should see them perform well. I wouldn’t write them off so I am going with the Windies over the next fortnight. - 2pts New Zealand to win Group D @ 11/4 [stanJames] I was researching these a few days ago and I liked the look of it. New Zealand really aren’t that bad of a side. They’re always one of those teams that are never really threaten to win but are steady quarter-final/super8 contenders. Their group consists of Bangladesh and Pakistan with Bangladesh being their first match. If they win that, which I wouldn’t put it past them doing, they should be sweet going into the last match against Pakistan. They have the players in their ranks to secure a decent NRR too so I am siding with NZ to take Group D. Decent price too.

[Tyler]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 - 1pt Top Tournament Batsman: David Warner @ 25/1 each-way [Paddy Power] - 1pt Top Tournament Batsman: Jacques Kallis @ 25/1 each-way [Paddy Power] Okay so my criteria for my Top Batsmen selections were as follows:

• Has to play in a team with a strong chance of being present in the Semi Finals.
• Has to Bat in the Top 3.
• Has to be able to score runs relatively quickly
• Will more than likely play every match.
• A player with decent T20 experience

To be honest, quite a few players fit those criteria but I whittled it down to the two I liked the most. I cant see either team winning the whole thing but Australia should be good for a decent Super 8s run and SA might turn it on and make the semi’s. Warner we all know can turn this tournament upside down if he wants to. I can’t really see a him going all tournament long without hitting a score of above 70 which will put him in decent stead. Kallis should bat three for SA and his everpresence and his ability to score steady 30s again will put him up there with the leaders in this market. They should reach the semi’s too so I see 6 games for both players at the very minimum. - 1pt Top Tournament Bowler: Lasith Malinga @ 10/1 each-way [stanJames] - 1pt Top Tournament Bowler: Sunil Narine @ 16/1 each-way [skybet] These two almost pick themselves. Malinga on home turf should wreak havoc at least once in this tournament. Narine on these slow, low turners should provide some problems for a lot of batsment too. He has been around for some time now but he hasn’t played against every single country, especially in this format. He looked a fine bowler at the IPL this year for Kolkata so the experience gained there should see him go well here. I already have said that I exepct the Windies to go well here so he should get a decent amount of games in. The same goes for Sri Lanka.

[Tyler]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 - 2pts Top Afghanistan Batsman: Mohammad Shahzad @ 7/2 [WillHill] I only expect Afghanistan to play two matches in this competition. The batsman at the Top of the Order will more than likely get more time than the others to shine and that’s where Mohammad Shahzad comes right into my line of sight. He hit two fifties against England earlier on in the year for an ICC Associates XI. He also noasts a decent t20 average of 31 which trumps every other Afghanistani player. If he tees off in one match, he should take this market. I’ll play on his side. - 1pt Top Australian Batsman: Mike Hussey @ 5/1 [bet365] I already have a bet on Warner but if that fails then I think this will succeed. Hussey is effectively the Kallis of Australia. He’ll play every match, has a wealth of sub-continent T20 experience and has the ability of scoring steady 30s and beyond which is key to top tournament scoring. He looked good in his warm up match too, I think he’ll lead this suspect Australian middle-order and thus the whole Australian squad. - 1pt Top Bangladesh Batsman: Shakib al Hasan @ 4/1 [stan James] Shakib has been Bangladesh’s best player for a long time now. Tamim Iqbal will probably get the favourite tag for this market but he’s far too inconsistent for me. Shakib genuinely always produces the goods. He bats high enough to get the time needed to excel and he has the temperament to bat at 100.00 or 130.00. Wealth of sub-continent T20 experience at the highest level too. Shakib is my man for Bangladesh at 4/1.

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 :welcome back Tyler. Want to back the Windies myself but have been having a two week battle with my mind about whether I can trust them or not :lol.

[Skittle]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 A quick look around the markets and I've just taken 2.18 on Betfair for 2 centuries or more in the tournament. For the amount of games, 27, and earlier matches with some of the 'minnows' around it looks a fair bet.

[Skittle]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Four points on the centuries bet above. Another tournament bet with Betfair........................Big 8 to qualify, No @ 1.66. There's always going to be one side that will slip up somewhere in the group stages. Eight points @ 1.66.

[Mirage]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Taking one to win the tournament..... 1/10pts W. Indies to win World T20 - 13/2 with Coral I think this is a wide open tournament but this team offers some value. This is a squad loaded with talent like the others in the 'big 8' and they have plenty of match winners with both bat and ball in hand. Gayle can win a match on his own if he gets going and so too can Pollard whilst Marlon Samuels has shown enough form over the last 6 months to suggest he has some big innings inside him. Narine was brilliant in the IPL and Rampaul can control the ball as much as some of the best bowlers in the world when on-song. In Dwayne Bravo they have another very handy all-rounder. They are also a side that can put in horror shows but they are capable of beating both sides in their group (Australia and Ireland) and if this group gains confidence they'll be very tough to stop. There's a lot of players within this team with good IPL experience's behind them so adapting to the pitches shouldn't be a problem like it may be for others. At 13/2 i'll have a small bet on them.

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 My tournament preview: 2pts ew England to win World T20 8/1 Apollobet (1/2 1-2) (Stake refunded if Australia win) There’s no doubt Kevin Pietersen would bring something extra to England’s side but we have to be careful not to paint Pietersen up as Don Bradman. He isn’t. He’s an exciting player capable of winning a match on his own on his day but he isn’t the only one of those England have. England have Morgan, Bairstow and as we saw last week young Buttler who can all do that. With the chance of some rain around the conditions might be better for England than expected (there won’t be no raging turners in damp/wet conditions) so that’s a positive and they could hardly have a better draw to the semi finals. At 8/1 the defending champions might just have slipped under the radar and been written off too quickly here. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/twenty20-world-cup-betting-defending-champions-england-may-just-have-been-written-off-too-early

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Tournament top bat preview: 2pts ew V.Kohli Top Tournament Batsman 12/1 BetVictor (1/4 1-5) 1pt ew A.Hales Top Tournament Batsman 50/1 Ladbrokes (1/4 1-4) One man who is in outstanding form right now is Virat Kohli and even at 12/1 I think he is well worth a punt in this market. Kohli hit 75 off 47 balls in a warm up game against Pakistan on Monday and that was his second half century in this format inside a week after he made one against New Zealand too. Kohli has scored runs regularly in all formats of the game and with him either opening or batting at three for India he is my main bet in this market. Hales hit a wonderful 99 against the West Indies earlier in the summer and he hit a solid half century in a warm up match against Australia on Monday to seal his place in the side if it was in doubt. Hales has all the shots and times the ball very well. With Craig Kieswetter and Luke Wright going ballistic at the other end Hales has the opportunity to settle himself in before he cuts loose but he can put away the bad balls which come his way. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/twenty20-world-cup-betting-virat-kohli-s-fine-recent-form-can-continue-in-the-world-t20

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Top Tournament Bowler preview: 2pts ew S.Ajmal Top Tournament Bowler 11/1 Blue Square (1/4 1-4) 1pt ew S.Finn Top Tournament Bowler 28/1 Bodog (1/4 1-4) Two years ago Saeed Ajmal was in a tie for second in this market behind Dirk Nannes. Ajmal is a much better bowler now than he was then and for me he’s currently the best spinner in the world. We’ve seen recently how Australia had absolutely no answer to him in a recent series in the UAE and straight away in Pakistan’s group Ajmal will bowl to New Zealand who have shown in India recently that they haven’t a clue against good spin. I find it hard to believe Ajmal won’t take wickets on these pitches so he’s my main bet. I will also take an Englishman in this market too because they are facing Afghanistan in their group match and someone could easily pick up a hat load. I’m hoping that man is Steven Finn who continues to pick up lots of wickets in the one day formats of the game. He went very well in the UAE last winter and I see no reason why he won’t go well here, especially if he can find a bit of swing or movement off the wicket. Most of the batsmen he will face straight up go after the bowling. That includes Sehwag, Gayle, Dilshan and McCullum so there will be the chance of wickets from the go. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/twenty20-world-cup-betting-saeed-ajmal-can-bamboozle-the-world-s-best-batsmen-out-in-sri-lanka

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 I'm taking quite a few outrights for this tournament. All of these......

My tournament preview: 2pts ew England to win World T20 8/1 Apollobet (1/2 1-2) (Stake refunded if Australia win) There’s no doubt Kevin Pietersen would bring something extra to England’s side but we have to be careful not to paint Pietersen up as Don Bradman. He isn’t. He’s an exciting player capable of winning a match on his own on his day but he isn’t the only one of those England have. England have Morgan, Bairstow and as we saw last week young Buttler who can all do that. With the chance of some rain around the conditions might be better for England than expected (there won’t be no raging turners in damp/wet conditions) so that’s a positive and they could hardly have a better draw to the semi finals. At 8/1 the defending champions might just have slipped under the radar and been written off too quickly here. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/twenty20-world-cup-betting-defending-champions-england-may-just-have-been-written-off-too-early

Tournament top bat preview: 2pts ew V.Kohli Top Tournament Batsman 12/1 BetVictor (1/4 1-5) 1pt ew A.Hales Top Tournament Batsman 50/1 Ladbrokes (1/4 1-4) One man who is in outstanding form right now is Virat Kohli and even at 12/1 I think he is well worth a punt in this market. Kohli hit 75 off 47 balls in a warm up game against Pakistan on Monday and that was his second half century in this format inside a week after he made one against New Zealand too. Kohli has scored runs regularly in all formats of the game and with him either opening or batting at three for India he is my main bet in this market. Hales hit a wonderful 99 against the West Indies earlier in the summer and he hit a solid half century in a warm up match against Australia on Monday to seal his place in the side if it was in doubt. Hales has all the shots and times the ball very well. With Craig Kieswetter and Luke Wright going ballistic at the other end Hales has the opportunity to settle himself in before he cuts loose but he can put away the bad balls which come his way. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/twenty20-world-cup-betting-virat-kohli-s-fine-recent-form-can-continue-in-the-world-t20

Top Tournament Bowler preview: 2pts ew S.Ajmal Top Tournament Bowler 11/1 Blue Square (1/4 1-4) 1pt ew S.Finn Top Tournament Bowler 28/1 Bodog (1/4 1-4) Two years ago Saeed Ajmal was in a tie for second in this market behind Dirk Nannes. Ajmal is a much better bowler now than he was then and for me he’s currently the best spinner in the world. We’ve seen recently how Australia had absolutely no answer to him in a recent series in the UAE and straight away in Pakistan’s group Ajmal will bowl to New Zealand who have shown in India recently that they haven’t a clue against good spin. I find it hard to believe Ajmal won’t take wickets on these pitches so he’s my main bet. I will also take an Englishman in this market too because they are facing Afghanistan in their group match and someone could easily pick up a hat load. I’m hoping that man is Steven Finn who continues to pick up lots of wickets in the one day formats of the game. He went very well in the UAE last winter and I see no reason why he won’t go well here, especially if he can find a bit of swing or movement off the wicket. Most of the batsmen he will face straight up go after the bowling. That includes Sehwag, Gayle, Dilshan and McCullum so there will be the chance of wickets from the go. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/twenty20-world-cup-betting-saeed-ajmal-can-bamboozle-the-world-s-best-batsmen-out-in-sri-lanka

And also..... 3pts Australia to hit Most Tournament 6's 11/2 Skybet 2pts England to hit Most Tournament 6's 14/1 Ladbrokes Obviously the West Indies are a short price in this market but I think I prefer Australia to them over the length of the tournament. One things I like about Australia is they bat with six hitters all the way down to about number 9 whereas the Windies have the likes of Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin who aren't natural six hitters. Of course they have Chris Gayle to make up for that but I've got a sneaky feeling the West Indies could bomb out of this tournament in a blaze of glory early on as they so often do in these global events and as I've already said in my preview I still think the Windies rely way too much on two men. Australia are fearsome hitters of a cricket ball as we saw in the final T20 out in the UAE recently. They also hit a tough England attack to hit 6's against for 10 6's in a warm up match on Monday so they can hit the big balls. Australia are my main fancies in this market but I will have a cover bet on England too purely because the carrot of that Afghanistan match is dangling. Also West Indies and New Zealand's attacks can go should they face both in the Super Eights which they are expected to do. England can also hit 6's from 1-7 so they have no problem in that regard and if they can get a fast start in the six hitting against Afghanistan they could well have the momentum to go on and hit the most 6's given that I expect them to go deep in this event. 1pt ew R.Taylor Top Tournament Six Hitter 33/1 Stan James (1/4 1-3) 1pt ew M.Hussey Top Tournament Six Hitter 50/1 Paddy Power (1/5 1-3) Ross Taylor is a huge hitter of a cricket ball and he comes into this match off the back of walloping 7 6's against a decent enough South Africa bowling attack on Monday. If he's doing damage to that attack he could go completely bonkers off Bangladesh's attack not to mention England and West Indies in the Super Eights. I remember Ross Taylor smashing 6's for fun in an innings in Sri Lanka in the 50 over World Cup last year and you get the feeling if New Zealand are to do anything in this competition they will need plenty of big hits from their captain. He hits a ball a long way and cleanly too and 33/1 looks a more than fair price on him if anything were to happen to Chris Gayle, or were the Windies to go out early. Michael Hussey is another who hits a long ball. He hits 5 of them against England on Monday and we all remember that knock of his in the semi final of the last tournament when he hit Pakistan all over the Caribbean, including Saeed Ajmal which could be crucial when the two meet in the Super Eights. The Ireland attack looks like it can go the distance in this tournament as does the Indian one and Hussey will be facing both of those. With Michael Hussey batting at three in this tournament he should get a lot of time at the crease and with a good start there's no reason why he can't contribute heavily in the six hitting in an Australian side who look locked in to make the Super Eights at least. For both of these to really compete Chris Gayle needs to go early but that could happen, especially if he fails against Ireland in the group stage so at these prices which would be half as big were Gayle not around I'll take these two, both of whom could go further than the West Indies in the tournament. 1pt ew New Zealand Lowest Team Score 12/1 Paddy Power (1/4 1-3) Happy to take this with the each way terms on offer. New Zealand have shown both in the Windies and in India that they can't play spin and it wouldn't be the biggest surprise in the world if they crumble in a heap to Pakistan in their group match, especially if they have beaten Bangladesh to make that match almost irrelevant. If Pakistan don't get them Sri Lanka could easily get them so I think there is enough of a chance for New Zealand to go badly in an innings, particularly if Guptill and McCullum fall early. The four minnows are all favourites but they will almost all only be playing two matches whereas I expect New Zealand to have five matches in this tournament and with the pressure on, especially if their bowlers have been carted like they can be, and the need to slog from the get go New Zealand have a crumble element to their batting line up which makes the 12/1 appeal here. 0.5pts ew T.Perera Top Sri Lanka Tournament Batsman 50/1 Ladbrokes (1/5 1-3) Thissara Perera had a good Sri Lanka Premier League with the bat. He was the 10th top scorer in that tournament so he arrives in this tournament in good form and in a Sri Lanka batting line up which only has three reliable names there could be a chance for someone to place in this market were one of those three to fail a couple of times in the tournament. Perera may well be shoved up the order at times if Sri Lanka need a fast start or if they want to continue a flyer from Dilshan or something so at 50/1 I wouldn't say this is without any mileage. Of course it's a long shot but he can bat and he can clear any ropes so a small stake on Perera could just pay dividends in a batting line up where fourth place is definitely up for grabs which means third could be if someone fails above him. Will come back with the rest of the team bets on Tuesday.

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Opening game preview: 4pts L.Malinga's Performance Pts - 38&Over 5/6 Bet365 Malinga will get 20 points for each wicket he takes and a bowler of his class should be capable of taking two wickets here especially on a wicket which both captains think will have something in it for the seamers. Malinga has a lot of variety in his bowling and he can cover 38pts with the ball in this match. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-betting-lasith-malinga-can-begin-his-tournament-with-a-couple-of-wickets

[Mirage]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 First match: 5/10pts SL. Malinga performance points 38 and over - 5/6 with Bet365 Wicket - 20pts Catch - 10pts Run - 1pt I think this line is a few points too short because he is certainly capable of getting at least 2 wickets in this match. Zimbabwe's batsmen won't have faced Malinga many times and that usually means you're going to be in trouble. His pace, deadly yorkers and ability to disguise the slower ball will be tough for most batsmen in this compeition to deal with, never mind this relatively inexperienced batting line-up. He'll bowl early enough and, if there are still batsmen around, will bowl at the death too so can pick up some cheap wickets. I'm confident he'll start this tournament well.

[Charlie Wong]

South Africa to win world T20 11/2 Bluesq About time the no1 test team delivered a major competition and under abdv they have as good as chance this time around, Steyn has been in majestic form and along with morkel are decent pace options. Botha and peterson add the spin element and are no mugs with the bat, Kallis and Amlapant add experience and form at the top of the order plus a middle order of abdv, faf , duminy, albie add power and bags of IPL & 20/20 experience.

[Charlie Wong]

Virat Kohli top Indian bat 3/1 coral Sublime player who will bat at 3, these pitches will suit him as he's scored plenty vs Sri Lanka in the past. India will be relying on him to deliver. Ross Taylor top NZ bat 7/2 ladbrokes After sustaining a nasty arm injury Taylor looks to be back with a bang as he showed in the warm up match vs SA, potential danger is mccullum if he gets going but is a little inconsistent, guptill has been out of form after a bright start to his international career, Nichol personally I believe looks out of his depth and Williamson doesn't possess Rosco's hitting power.

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 3 for me in the opener. This one....

Opening game preview: 4pts L.Malinga's Performance Pts - 38&Over 5/6 Bet365 Malinga will get 20 points for each wicket he takes and a bowler of his class should be capable of taking two wickets here especially on a wicket which both captains think will have something in it for the seamers. Malinga has a lot of variety in his bowling and he can cover 38pts with the ball in this match. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-betting-lasith-malinga-can-begin-his-tournament-with-a-couple-of-wickets

and these two. 4pts Over 6.5 6's Evs Stan James Although generally Sri Lanka aren't known for hitting sixes the boundaries at Hambantota are expected to have been pulled right in and you would think for the first game of a showpiece event like this the wicket will be very good for batting even though it offer a bit for the seamers. If it offers something for the seamers then it may well be that the ball comes onto the bat nicely and so we can see the ropes cleared a few times in this match. I'm guessing the line is relatively low because Zimbabwe are involved but they have players who can biff a few 6's so I'm sure they'll contribute to the six hitting total. With that in mind and on what should be a good wicket I think we'll see the ropes cleared at least seven times. 1pt M.Jayawardene Man of the Match 7/1 Ladbrokes Mahela Jayawardene was the hero of the last World T20 for Sri Lanka. He was the top scorer in the tournament and when Sri Lanka played Zimbabwe in that event he hit 100. He may not hit a ton in this match but I still think he's the real class act of this Sri Lanka batting line up and if the warm up matches are anything to go by he will bat at number three in the innings which should be good enough for him to build a score which makes him competitive in the man of the match award for this match. If Sri Lanka are going to go well in this tournament then they will need their captain to go well starting with this match.

[Tyler]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 I'm going to swerve the first match. I was ready to pull the plug on Under 6.5 sixes but as with any mismatch, the thought of the stronger side batting first and running riot scared me. I'll go safe and see how this pitch plays out. Best of luck to anyone who decides to play. Let's make this a profitable tournament.

[WorthaPunt]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 I don't know a great deal about cricket, but from what I do know the 2 tips put forward for Malinga seems value for the punter. You'd expect him to get 2 wickets in this. Having a small single on this based on kevshat and Mirage's recommendations. Fingers crossed lads :)

[Liamaseire]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 To go with my Ireland win above,2 more Ireland v Australia Total Irish 6's (over 2.5) @ 11/10 PaddyPower This is probably the safest bet I will place but extremely confident.As I said previously the aussie bowlers wont hold any fear for the irish players who can easily clear the ropes.In fact if Paul Stirling bats for 5 or 6 overs he will cover this line himself.We've all seen what Kevin O'Brien can do and then realistic hopes in Porterfield,Wilson and Niall O'Brien. Man of the Match (Paul Stirling Ireland) @ 25/1 Bet365 This will probably be Stirlings' last tournament for Ireland as i'm sure he's destined to be lining up for England for many years to come.In may at the age of 21 he scored a century in Ireland's 2 game series in Pakistan.He is the only associate nation player to have been nominated in the "emerging player category".His form with the bat is one of the main reasons Ireland have gone ahead of Australia in the t20 rankings.Pretty decent with the ball too and can give Australia problems.If he bats for a few overs and gets a wicket or two 25/1 wont look to shabby.

[Mirage]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Pretty poor first spell from Malinga and one bowler almost single-handedly going through Zimbabwe left the performance bet struggling. On to the next one...

[Mirage]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Slightly reluctant to get involved too heavily in these 'giants vs minnows' matches so will just take one in the Australia/Ireland match tomorrow. 2/10pts S. Watson to be top Australia batsman - 11/4 with Stan James If Australia are to go well in this tournament they need their opening batsmen to go well and, although I have doubts that they will both do it against the 'bigger teams', I think that at least one could put in a big total tomorrow. Ireland have the potential to upset both sides in their group but I think their chances are being over-hyped by a lot of people because they are still a relatively inexperienced cricketing side. They have caused upsets before but play nowhere near enough cricket together against teams of this standard to be in with anything other than a small chance of a win. Either Warner or Watson could win the game for Australia but with them being the same price I favour the slightly more experienced Watson. He has IPL experience, will play well against spin and uses his feet well on pitches like these. He has scored multiple hundreds in this format and when he gets going he is tough to stop. Ireland have some good bowlers but none are outstanding. I'm not sure they'll be able to tie down Watson through bowling and fielding because I believe if they are to win this, they'll probably do it with a special innings against a pretty average Aussie bowling attack rather than by getting their opponents out cheaply with the ball. Watson knows how to do it on the biggest stage so i'll take him to lead from the front.

[Tyler]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Not heavily involved with the first of tomorrow's matches. - 1pt Ireland to beat Australia @ 7/1 [bet365] Limasiere tempted me into this bet I can't lie. He has outlined a much more detailed post earlier in the thread about this bet and I can only concur. I really can't be having any side at 7/1 in any T20, especially a side CAPABLE of a shock like Ireland are. Ireland are not useless by any stretch. They will go into this match completely carefree and with no pressure whatsoever. They will go out on that pitch and express themselves freely without the prospect of scrutiny or expectation. That alone is enough for me to take them against an Australian side that doesn't convince me. Bailey as a captain? Dan Christian? Brad Hogg? Really? These are good players but to me they're not world-beaters. They're a genuine batsman short in the middle order and Starc and Cummins are raw bowlers. Capable of great things but highly inexperienced. I will throw away a point to see what Ireland do here. Definitely. - 2pts Paul Sterling Sixes: Over 0.5 @ 7/4 [Ladbrokes] I mentioned before that Ireland will come into this match completely carefree and will express themselves however they please. This is something I expect Sterling to do and he only knows one way how. Less than three days ago he hit 71 off 41 including five sixes against a competent Bangladesh side so I think he can clear the ropes at least once against a raw pacey Australian side. They should offer at least one loose ball for him to get his teeth into. At nearly 2/1 I'll play he continues his hot streak with the bat with an early maximum.

[Tyler]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Not even I am tempted by the 18/1 on Afghanistan here! One for the second match: - 7pts Player Performance: Ravi Ashwin 32&Over @ 5/6 [bet365] I wanted to take Ravi Ashwin as the top bowler here but as far as I'm aware, the market isn't available in t20 cricket. Just like Mendis earlier on today I feel that the Afghanistani team will be mesmerised by his spin. They won't have played anything like that before competitively and I see an easy chance for two wickets later today. I am not that bothered about him making up points with the bat, I'm genuinely confident he'll do the business with the ball and I am willing to play fairly strongly early doors. Ashwin to take two wickets at Ladbrokes is 4/6. I'll play him at 5/6 here with him maybe only needing one. Confidently too.

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Two more outrights for me going into Wednesday.... 2pts P.Stirling Top Ireland Tournament Batsman 7/2 Ladbrokes I quite like the look of Paul Stirling in what really is a format made for his style. There's the strong chance that Ireland will only play two matches in this tournament so I want someone who is in form and Paul Stirling is very much that. He comes into the tournament off the back of a highly successful one day season for Middlesex and his see ball clobber ball style looks to be a good one for these wickets as we saw with Dilshan in the opening match of the event. He walloped 71 in no time in a warm up match for this tournament and by virtue of him opening the batting he should get the best of the wickets when Ireland are batting. To be fair this Ireland batting line up is a very talented one these days with the likes of Porterfield, Wilson, Joyce and the O'Brien's in it but Stirling will score quicker than any of them and he'll get first dibs too. If he comes off in either of Ireland's two matches he will be in with a real chance here while if Ireland were to play five matches you would expect Stirling to fire in 2-3 of them. Even at 7/2 I think Stirling is a fair bet here. 2pts M.Starc Top Australia Tournament Bowler 7/2 Skybet Mitchell Starc really impressed me in the UAE recently. He had the ball swinging and moving both ways and he'll be a threat for any batsman in the tournament if he can keep it moving, especially with some of the technically rotten opening batsmen which teams employ these days just because they can hit the ball a mile (yes that's you Richard Levi :lol). Starc will bowl at the start and the end of the innings which is exactly what we want in any top bowler bet be it a series one, a tournament one or a match one. We saw in his stint at Yorkshire that he can fire the yorkers in at the death at genuine pace and when teams are slogging he should be able to pick up a few cheap wickets there. James Pattinson was his fellow chief destroyer in the UAE but he isn't in the squad for this tournament and with Australia lacking a real quality spinner (I accept there's Brad Hogg but this tournament will be a poor one if he is regularly in the wickets imo) I think a seamer will take top honours here and given where he bowls and how good he is that man can be Mitchell Starc.

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Wednesday's opening match preview: 5pts Australia Over 4.5 6's 5/6 Ladbrokes We saw on this Colombo ground on Monday when India and Pakistan played a warm up match here that the boundaries aren’t the longest and with the likes of Warner, Watson and Maxwell in their side, all of whom like to hit big whatever the situation, and Hussey, White, Bailey and Wade who can all clear the ropes too, I think the Australians are good things to hit more than 4.5 6’s here. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/australia-vs-ireland-betting-australia-s-big-hitters-can-feast-on-the-irish-bowling-attack-in-colombo

[kevshat]

Re: ICC World T20 2012 Crap opening game for me. Hoping to improve a lot on Wednesday. Two for the opening game. This one....

Wednesday's opening match preview: 5pts Australia Over 4.5 6's 5/6 Ladbrokes We saw on this Colombo ground on Monday when India and Pakistan played a warm up match here that the boundaries aren’t the longest and with the likes of Warner, Watson and Maxwell in their side, all of whom like to hit big whatever the situation, and Hussey, White, Bailey and Wade who can all clear the ropes too, I think the Australians are good things to hit more than 4.5 6’s here. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/australia-vs-ireland-betting-australia-s-big-hitters-can-feast-on-the-irish-bowling-attack-in-colombo

and this one... 4pts Ireland (+5.5 wickets/37.5 runs) to beat Australia Evs Sportingbet This handicap looks a little high to me whichever side of the ball the handicap is applied to. If it is applied to Australia batting second then I think Ireland have the bowling attack to take five wickets, especially with Australia's opening pair giving the bowlers a chance with their big hitting and if Ireland are batting second then with Niall O'Brien possibly batting as low as eight they have the batting line up to score big runs too. So that makes this look like a big handicap especially for a side who know how to slay giants. Australia aren't the strongest in this format and they could be vulnerable to a good performance from the Irish. I don't think Ireland will win the game but I do think they can give Australia a scare and with Rankin, Murtagh, Johnston and Dockrell wicket takers with the ball and Stirling, Joyce, Porterfield, Wilson and the O'Brien's all run scorers with the bat the Irish have enough in them to keep within this handicap range in the opening match of the second day of the tournament.