Pakistan the leaders in Group A take on the West Indies who finished fourth in Group B in the first quarter-final. After suffering defeats at the hands of England and India, the West Indies will find it difficult to beat a Pakistani side that is brimming with confidence.
Date: 23rd March
London Start Time: 08:30
Venue and Pitch
The match will take place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. The pitch is flat and dry and a score of 260 will be defendable. As usual, the team that wins the toss will look to bat first as the pitch will slow up during the second innings and batting will become more difficult.
Team News
The West Indies have collapsed under pressure during their last two games and captain Darren Sammy will be very concerned about his middle order. He has to make crucial decisions with regards to his side’s composition. He will be seriously considering of playing S Chanderpaul because of his experience but having him sit out the last two games would have not helped his batting form. Chris Gayle and Kemar Roach should make a comeback into the squad after not playing in the game against India.
The Pakistani’s will be confident of winning this match, especially after the way their spinners bowled against Australia. Shahid Afridi will have to make a decision as to whether he plays the inexperienced W Riaz or brings in Shoaib Akhtar who has the experience of playing in a World Cup final.
Match Odds
Pakistan 8/15 should win this match and book themselves a place in the semi-finals. The only way they can lose this game is if they get complacent or if Chris Gayle plays a blinder. The West Indies 7/4 have not defeated a team ranked higher than them in the ICC ratings for almost two years. Their best chance will be to bat first and then put pressure on the Pakistanis.
Top Batsman
Asad Shafiq 11/2 had a good game against the Australians and will want to continue his good form. Younis Khan 9/2 and Misbah-ul-Haq are big match players and will be expected to rise to the occasion.
Chris Gayle 10/3 will look to score quickly and Devon Smith 7/2 will want to anchor the innings. Kieron Pollard is definitely a match winner but after injuring himself against the Indians, he may not be fully fit.
Featured Bet
Shahid Afridi has 17 wickets under his belt and is currently the leading wicket taker in this tournament. He will trouble the West Indians with his leg-spin and should pick up a bunch of wickets. The flamboyant Chris Gayle will look to score a quick-fire 50 and will be the biggest concern for Pakistan.
Match Predictions
Pakistan have a more balanced team and will handle the pressure better than the West Indians. Pakistan will win and become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals.
Best Bet: Shahid Afridi 5/2
Date: 23rd March
London Start Time: 08:30
Venue and Pitch
The match will take place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. The pitch is flat and dry and a score of 260 will be defendable. As usual, the team that wins the toss will look to bat first as the pitch will slow up during the second innings and batting will become more difficult.
Team News
The West Indies have collapsed under pressure during their last two games and captain Darren Sammy will be very concerned about his middle order. He has to make crucial decisions with regards to his side’s composition. He will be seriously considering of playing S Chanderpaul because of his experience but having him sit out the last two games would have not helped his batting form. Chris Gayle and Kemar Roach should make a comeback into the squad after not playing in the game against India.
The Pakistani’s will be confident of winning this match, especially after the way their spinners bowled against Australia. Shahid Afridi will have to make a decision as to whether he plays the inexperienced W Riaz or brings in Shoaib Akhtar who has the experience of playing in a World Cup final.
Match Odds
Pakistan 8/15 should win this match and book themselves a place in the semi-finals. The only way they can lose this game is if they get complacent or if Chris Gayle plays a blinder. The West Indies 7/4 have not defeated a team ranked higher than them in the ICC ratings for almost two years. Their best chance will be to bat first and then put pressure on the Pakistanis.
Top Batsman
Asad Shafiq 11/2 had a good game against the Australians and will want to continue his good form. Younis Khan 9/2 and Misbah-ul-Haq are big match players and will be expected to rise to the occasion.
Chris Gayle 10/3 will look to score quickly and Devon Smith 7/2 will want to anchor the innings. Kieron Pollard is definitely a match winner but after injuring himself against the Indians, he may not be fully fit.
Featured Bet
Shahid Afridi has 17 wickets under his belt and is currently the leading wicket taker in this tournament. He will trouble the West Indians with his leg-spin and should pick up a bunch of wickets. The flamboyant Chris Gayle will look to score a quick-fire 50 and will be the biggest concern for Pakistan.
Match Predictions
Pakistan have a more balanced team and will handle the pressure better than the West Indians. Pakistan will win and become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals.
Best Bet: Shahid Afridi 5/2
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