England vs Pakistan First ODI: Cricket Betting

England begins their five-match ODI series Pakistan tomorrow at Southampton. They are a bit like Pakistan in limited overs cricket in terms of unpredictability. England is as mercurial as Pakistan in ODI format. Sometimes they appear unbeatable, sometimes they appear frozen. Two unpredictable teams lock horns, which should provide excitement and opportunity to cricket betting enthusiasts. Who is going to win? It is hard to predict, as both the teams can blow hot and cold.

Preview – England

England will be disappointed with the outcome of the test series. They would prefer to believe that they played good enough to deserve a win. Two veteran war horses in the Pakistan camp foiled their chances. Misbah-ul-Haq’s century derailed them at Lord’s, while Younis Khan’s double century did them in at the Oval. They will look forward to win the ODI series without too much alarm. They have some hard hitters in their ranks. Their bowling is disciplined and possesses limited overs skills in abundance.

Preview – Pakistan

Pakistan must be in a jubilant mood to reach the top ranking in the ICC test ranking. It is a fabulous achievement, especially considering the fact that they no longer play test cricket at home in Pakistan. The whole world, not just the cricketing world, must salute them for overcoming all the political and sociological odds. Now they have another mission: making it to the top of ODI ranking.

If their batsmen can post good scores, they have a good enough bowling to rattle the hosts. Everything will depend on Misbah and fellow batsmen tackle England’s speedsters. They cannot just hit along the line as they do in sub continent. If they find a way to counter the swing and bounce, they have a chance.

Prediction

England will be the favourites. They have the upper hand in batting, bowling and fielding. But Pakistan do have that X factor of individual brilliance. If somebody plays an incredible innings or bowls an unplayable spell, the match will be Pakistan’s. Otherwise, for all cricket betting purposes, England are going to win.

Photo Credit: Telegraph