Cricket
Sri Lanka v England T20 Series Predictions
Sir Lanka and England continue their battle with the white ball as they get set for a three-match T20 series beginning this week.
England’s tour of Sri Lanka began with three ODIs, providing mixed results for Brendon McCullum’s side. After falling short in the first match, many thought it could be another disappointing series for England, but they managed to turn things around.
An impressive bowling display followed by a dominant batting performance saw them take the second and third one day games in much more positive fashion.
Next up is another three-match series, this time in the T20 format. Many of the same stars are expected to be on show here as England continue their preparation for the T20 World Cup in India & Sri Lanka, which gets underway in just over a week’s time.
Sri Lanka
First, let’s take a closer look at the home side, who head into the opening game as 13/10 underdogs. Sri Lanka would’ve been sky high on confidence after their victory in the opening match over the ODI series, but they were unable to capitalise on that performance.
The main highlight with the bat in the opener was Kusal Mendis, who put together a controlled, stabilising innings – rather unlike the style of his opponents – to finish unbeaten on 93 from 117 balls. He would go on to score a further 46 runs across the next two matches, having been unfortunately run out in the second game, and looks decent value at 5/6 to score over 22.5 runs in the first T20 match.
With the ball, the enigmatic Jeffrey Vandersay took the bull by the horns. It was no surprise that to see a spinner leading the attack for the home side in the ODIs, but the 35-year-old won’t be making an appearance in the first T20. Instead, there might be value in siding with Dunith Wellalage at 19/5 in the Sri Lanka Top Bowler Market. He’ll likely bowl his allocation and picked up a couple of big wickets in the one day series.
England
Now, onto England. The mixed reception that Bazball continues to get was not helped by that opening loss in the ODI series, but fresh in the memory now is the final game where England showed just how effective it can be when executed properly.
From a batting perspective, which is where England really look to put other teams to the sword, Harry Brook was simply sensational in that final game. He put on a swashbuckling display, smashing 136 runs from just 66 balls, including 11 fours and nine sixes. He can be backed at 5/6 to score over 20.5 runs in the first test, but the real value may lie elsewhere. England always look to assert authority early on, and the 10/3 about them to hit a six in their first over could be worth a go.
Brook’s side are undoubtedly less eye-catching with the ball, but there is one man who always brings excitement to the fielding innings. The evergreen Adil Rashid always seems to come up with the goods and looks a fine selection at 3/1 to be England’s top bowler.
The match betting market has England at 8/13 to win the first match and if they can oblige, it will certainly boost confidence heading into the World Cup, for which they are a 9/2 chance.
