SKY SPORTS’ cricket man Joe Drabble (@Joe_Drabs) has his eyes set on Group B’s crunch clash between Ireland and Zimbabwe on Saturday morning.
Ireland v Zimbabwe | Saturday 03.30 | Sky Sports 2
The World Cup lands in Hobart for the first time on Saturday as Ireland and Zimbabwe clash in a crunch Group B fixture. A win for Ireland would be their third and not only represent their most successful ever campaign, but also put them on the brink of the quarter-finals.
The two lesser-ranked nations have not played each other in an ODI for four-and-a-half years so form is tough to gauge, although Ireland did come out on top in their most recent meeting, a World Twenty20 in Bangladesh last year.
Zimbabwe will be without captain Elton Chigumbura through injury and I have a feeling for the Irish here in conditions which could suit them. Take the 6/5 for Ireland to win with Bet365.
Paul Stirling smashed 60 off 34 balls against Zimbabwe in that World Cup showdown last year and is 17/2 (888 Sport) to be the Top Match Batsman. Given his exploits against West Indies earlier in the campaign, there is definitely value there and he is my second fancy.
Finally, although runs should flow at a small ground, the pressure of the occasion makes me feel a century in the match is unlikely. I’m happy to back No Century maker at 4/5 with Betway.
Best Bets
Ireland v Zimbabwe – Ireland to win (6/5 Bet365)
Ireland v Zimbabwe – Paul Stirling Top Batsman (17/2 888 Sport)
Ireland v Zimbabwe – Century to be scored ‘No’ (4/5 Betway)
Money Back If Match Decided In Final Over
888 Sport will refund losing pre-match and in:play Match Winner bets if the match is decided in the final over.
