Cricket Betting: ICC World Cup Qualifiers Preview
There is a high-pitched debate about the veracity of cricket’s global outreach at a time when the 2019 cricket World Cup is reduced to just ten nations. However, that is an irreversible truth now, with two spots up for grabs in the ICC World Cup qualifiers.
As many as ten teams will battle for the two available spots starting from Sunday (March 4) in Zimbabwe. With four full members (Zimbabwe, West Indies, Ireland, and Afghanistan), it is interesting to see who will prevail!
West Indies – chasing past glory
Twice World Cup winners and one of the greatest ODI teams, West Indies may end up not being part of the 2019 World Cup!
The positive for the Caribbean side, though, is that they have come with some of their biggest names in ODI format – Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite and others.
However, they have been in poor form coming into the tournament, having been bowled out cheaply in both the games. Can their fortunes improve once the action begins?
Odds: $1.53 (Ladbrokes) to qualify
Prediction: World Cup qualification
Ireland – can they surprise?
The Irish have a very experienced squad, with ten of their players coming with experience from their 2015 World Cup campaign. Having recently gained full member status, Ireland will hope to celebrate it with a ticket to the World Cup.
Odds: $3 (Ladbrokes) to qualify
Prediction: It will be a surprise if they qualify!
Zimbabwe – underdogs
This is their backyard and Zimbabwe will hope to make that count with a successful tournament.
Passage to the super-six may not be a problem, but Zimbabwe will struggle to make it to the final. With Afghanistan and West Indies expected to do all the running, the hosts certainly start as underdogs.
But, don’t count them out just yet as they have shown in the past one year with impressive results. Will that propel the hosts to World Cup 2019 qualification?
Odds: $2.50 (Ladbrokes) to qualify
Prediction: Very strong contenders and can be the surprise package. But, it is tough to see them qualify.
Afghanistan – hot favourites
Easily, one of the most talented sides of the tournament. Their bowling is one to be watched – and feared – with the exciting wrist-spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman leading their bowling.
Batting remains a worry, but the confidence in the Afghan camp is contagious. They are enjoying the tag of favourites an it would be gutsy to go against their qualification!
Odds: $1.57 (Ladbrokes) to qualify
Prediction: Any doubts on qualification?
