2015 Cricket World Cup Semi Finals Preview
We're at the semi final stage and the best four teams of the competition have made it which means we should be in for two cracking Semi Finals. The two winners will go on to the final which will be played at the MCG.
We were on target last week with our recommended play to take the enhanced price on the four favouritesin the Quarter Finals and that proved to be quite a painless win at $3.
Hopefully the two Semis can produce some close contests. Something this World Cup has been seriously lacking. We'll be watching these matches with great interest!
New Zealand vs South Africa - Tuesday 12:00pm AEDT (Auckland)
What an incredible semi final this one looks to be. The up and coming New Zealand team, undefeated throughout the tournament and looking like an emerging cricket nation against the South Africans who have dominated the sport for decades. But what both have in common is a lack of success at this stage of the World Cup, so this is a crucial match in their own cricket histories.
South Africa were back to their best against Sri Lanka with a dominant bowling display that was full of pressure. Sri Lanka's batting has been superb and South Africa ran right through them. The only question mark with South Africa was the form of Quinton de Kock at the top of the order but he even rectified that with a bright innings to show what he's capable of.
New Zealand scored a massive 393 in the quarter finals against a hapless West Indies team off the back of an incredible 237 from Martin Guptill. The innings was superb no doubt, but as we mentioned in our preview, the Windies too easily drop their bundles when things go bad. They bowled so many half volleys and full tosses in those final overs that I think most teams would've had a feast there. The Kiwis have lost Adam Milne through injury.
Early wickets are the key. If South Africa can get into the Kiwi middle order early, they are a real chance. Likewise if the Kiwi bowlers continue their good form, then the Saffers will be under pressure.
Verdict: South Africa's win showed they were back to their best and while the Kiwis were good, the Windies were terrible. If this match was in Australia, there would be a lot more confidence in South Africa. We've underrated the Kiwis all tournament to our detriment, but besides a tough (1 wicket) win against Australia, they haven't beaten a top team at their peak which is what they will be facing in South Africa. Happy to stick with South Africa at $1.80 at William Hill Australia.
Australia vs India - Thursday 2:30pm (SCG)
This semi final looks far more clear cut. While India have had a very good tournament, they will find it tough against Australia.
India only had to contend with Bangladesh in the quarter finals. We say "only" because eventhough Bangladesh did well to progress that far, they don't offer the challenge of some of the other Test playing nations. India will be pleased that Rohit Sharma bounced back to form as he is important at the top of their innings.
However the Australian team looks very settled. They skittled Pakistan and rose to the challenge with the bat when put under some pressure. Like him or loathe him, Shane Watson stood up when needed. Talks of dropping Aaron Finch are ridiculous. He scored a hundred in the opening match of the series and changing the order up at this stage of the tournament would be suicidal. Starc continues to impress with the ball as he's demolishing the stumps late in the innings.
Verdict: India showed absolutely nothing against Australia all summer so there's a hugely psychological advantage for them over the Indians. There's no doubt India are playing much better now and they will thrive on the atmoshphere of a semi final, but they won't be able to overcome the Aussies.
Recommended bet: Australia to win at $1.42 at Ladbrokes
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
