The Cricket World Cup is in full flow. After a surprising defeat last time out, Eoin Morgan’s England team will be hoping they can bounce back immediately. They travel to Cardiff to take on a Bangladesh side buoyed by a convincing win against South Africa in their first game.
Defeat at the hands of Bangladesh and elimination from the 2015 tournament sparked the one-day renaissance we have seen from England in recent years and they’ll be out for a spot of revenge at the weekend.
Our cricket betting expert previews the encounter and shares his best Cricket World Cup betting odds ahead of the encounter.
Bangladesh no ‘minnows’
Contrary to their depiction amongst many broadcasters, Bangladesh are no minnows. Particularly in one-day cricket, they are a more than capable outfit and victory over South Africa in their opener only reinforced this.
They made the quarter finals in the 2015 tournament, and the semi-final of the Champions Trophy in England two years later. They have an able spin attack capable of restricting teams during the middle overs and will fancy their chances against anyone. You can get them at an outside 33/1 to go all the way in the tournament with Grosvenorsport.com.
In Shakib Al Hasan they possess one of the most potent all-rounders in the world. He provides competent support to the middle-order, averaging 36 in ODI cricket, while his economical left arm spin is crucial for Bangladesh.
In his 196 matches, his economy rates is less than 4.5 runs per over. A phenomenal achievement in modern one-day cricket. With England’s well-known troubles with spin bowling, he could be a good option for highest wicket-taker in the match at around 8/1.
Opener Tamim Iqbal provides a dangerous option at the top of innings. Aggressive and powerful, he will take the fight to the England bowlers during that all-important first powerplay. My choice for Bangladesh top run-scorer though is Mushfiqur Rahim. He’s got over 4000 ODI runs under his belt and made a solid 78 against South Africa. He’s 8/1 to be the top run-scorer in the match.
England looking to bounce back
Somewhat let down by their normally reliable fielding in Monday’s loss to Pakistan, Eoin Morgan’s side will hope to return to their usual standards in all departments.
Their two-pronged pace attack of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer was found out by the Pakistan batsmen on Monday. Archer in particular was expensive with figures of 0-79 off his 10 allotted overs. Mark Wood (2-53) may well be the one to get the nod ahead of Archer if they opt to bring Tom Curran back into the side. Wood is 13/2 to be the leading wicket-taker in the match at Grosvenorsport.com.
Both Joe Root and Jos Buttler scored centuries as England came up 14 short of their pursuit of 349 on Monday. Despite the loss, both will be thankful for time in the middle and a good score under their belts. Root is England’s Mr Consistent in white-ball cricket, averaging over 50. I would expect him to come through with another score in this game and he is available at around 11/4 to be top run-scorer in the match.
Despite their early defeat, England are still available as 2/1 favourites to win the World Cup at Grosvenorsport.com.
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