ICC Champions Trophy 1st Semi Final: Cricket Betting Preview
ICC Champions Trophy 1st Semi Final: Cricket Betting Preview
After an upset-filled, rain-marred league phase, ICC Champions Trophy 2017 enters its semi final stage. England, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh left standing at the climactic stage – the old colonial master and its subjects, one could say. England meet Pakistan in the first semi final at Cardiff tomorrow and India face Bangladesh in the second at Birmingham day after tomorrow. At first look, it appears easy picking for cricket betting. England and India are the favorites. But is it going to be that easy?
England – Preview
England look in red hot form during their thumping victory over Australia. Their batting has depth and firepower. The bowling has variety and discipline. And in Ben Stokes, they have the best all-rounder in the world. The form of their opening pair is bit of a concern. Jason Roy has not hit form for a while. England have other options in Sam Billings and Jonny Bairstow. Still, Roy could keep his place, as the team may not want to change a winning combination.
England are the only team in the competition with an all-win record in the league phase. They will start this match as firm favorites for cricket betting. Unless there is a miraculous, magical performance from a Pakistan player, especially a bowler, England are going to march to the final.
Pakistan – Preview
The odds are stacked against Pakistan. Against England, one needs a strong and explosive batting team. Pakistan does not seem to possess such a batting line-up. Their batting struggled right through the tournament. Even against Sri Lanka in the last match, the team struggled to chase 236. Only the fighting instincts of skipper Sarfraz Ahmed saved them from defeat. On the other hand, Pakistan’s bowling seems to have found the right rhythm after a dismal opening game against India. But they are up against a long and strong batting order. Pakistan need one of their top bowlers – Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan or Hasan Ali – produce a five-for and break the back of England’s batting line-up.
Prediction for cricket betting
England appear too strong for Pakistan in the conditions in Cardiff. Expect yet another dominant performance from the host country and a comfortable win for them.
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