Another game, another intriguing matchup and once again, we've got to fancy India in our match preview with Betway.
Though Sri Lanka might offer sterner resistance than Pakistan could conjure, Virat Kohli means business and India go into this contest as resounding favourites.
Group B is shaping up interestingly, but India can avoid the competition with a win today. Seemingly going at their own pace, Kohli and co are likely to remain unchanged and leave Ashwin out of the side in favour of Umesh Yadav who picked up three wickets against Pakistan.
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The Oval has proved to be a flat track so far and we're expecting runs. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli provided the goods last time out. As will always be the case, we feel confident on tipping Kohli to be their top run scorer at no.3, even though he was outscored by teammate Rohit last time out. You can back him to be their Top Batsman at 2/1 with Betway, and to hit Over 37.5 Runs at 5/6 with Betway.
Sri Lanka did well to limit South Africa to less than 300 in their last game with handy contributions from Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep.
If they are to limit the force of Indian batsmen, all three will have to play their part, but if you had to choose one top wicket taker, it would probably be Suranga Lakmal who can frustrate batsmen with his ability to cross off the dots. At 7/2 with Betway to be Sri Lanka's Top Bowler, Lakmal looks worthy of backing - whilst Over 2.5 Wickets at 39/20 with Betway must also be considered.
With the bat, Sri Lanka must last the 50 overs, but we don't have much confidence in that after lasting just the 41.3 against South Africa. India are just as good with the ball, but if there is to be any resistance at all, a bet on opener Niroshan Dickwella to score well would be worth a shot, if not for the entertainment of watching him at the crease.
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He scores quickly, plays 360 and will be key to getting Sri Lanka off to a competitive start. Back him to be Sri Lanka's Top Batsman at 4/1 with Betway. Over 26.5 Runs at 5/6 with Betway looks like it could be a sure fire winner too, if he spends a solid amount of time at the crease.
India steam rolled a meagre Pakistan batting line up on Sunday, with Umesh, Hardik Pandya and Jadeja all picking up more than just the one wicket. Umesh may be the lesser known of the bowlers, but he's the man on form and would be a wise choice for India's Top Bowler, especially at 4/1 with Betway.
Consistent, line and length bowling is the key on flat tracks like the Oval, so a bet on Kumar to derail a few Sri Lankan batsmen may well be worth your money, too. Over 2.5 Wickets looks a safe enough bet at 6/4 with Betway.
As a contest, I can't see anything but an India victory. Sri Lanka are known for their one day abilities and skills, but having already lost to South Africa and on the edge of elimination, backing India to progress from Group B is the rational decision. I like the look of the handicap here, India -3.5 wickets/34.5 runs looks the play at 4/5 with Betway.
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ODDSbible's Best Bets
India -3.5 Wickets/34.5 Runs at 4/5 with Betway
Virat Kohli Over 37.5 Runs at 5/6 with Betway
Buvnesh Kumar Over 2.5 Wickets at 6/4 with Betway
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Words By: Stuart Fagg
