Sri Lanka v Ireland – Super 8 Match

Sri Lanka were criticised for their team selection against Australia in their last match, leaving out their three best bowlers, but I don’t have a problem with it – I only wish we knew beforehand! They were simply doing what gives them the best opportunity to win the tournament – if they lift the Cup at the end of April their team selection in that match will be totally forgotten. I do not expect them to do the same tonight though. This is their last match before a semi final against New Zealand and I think they will play a full strength side, including Lasith Malinga. There will be no happy ending for the Irish tonight, because of this, and I expect Sri Lanka to crush them. Unfortunately most of the layers are thinking along the same lines tonight and there are hardly any betting opportunities. Certainly laying the Lankans at the shorts isn’t an option for me and I’m not a $1.05 backer unless it’s guaranteed money.

NZTAB have come up with a little something to get our teeth into in their “race to 10 runs” market. I’m not sure Jeremy Bray or Will Porterfield will realize they are in a race but I think there’s a chance that neither of them will win it. Apart from the last match Ireland have struggled with their opening partnership and they won’t have faced anything like Malinga. On top of this Vaas is very canny and will test them to the limit. $4.25 for neither opener to get to 10 is a smidge of value for me. I’d only be a tad shorter though so we’ll just have a small dabble.
Neither Ireland Opener to score 10, ½ pt at $4.25: NZTAB.

If there’s a less satisfying bet in the world than betting on run outs in a game of cricket then I’m yet to come across it. It’s very easy to ignore these sorts of bets and I can’t imagine the layers ever take many bets on them. I think there’s a touch of value in backing Ireland to have more players run out than Sri Lanka at $2.75 at Bluesq though. Sri Lanka would expect to all but bowl Ireland out at least and would be in for losing only a few wickets themselves. This gives them more chance at a run out and I think the bet should be about $2.50. Again, this is not exactly exciting and I for one won’t be staying up all night to see if Sri Lanka can get a run out or two! A bet is a bet though, so have a little tickle here and see how you got on in the morning.
Ireland most run outs, 1 ½ pts at $2.75: Bluesq.

Plays of the day

Neither Ireland Opener to score 10, ½ pt at $4.25: NZTAB.
Ireland most run outs, 1 ½ pts at $2.75: Bluesq.