World Cup 2011: Australia v Zimbabwe – betting preview

Game:- Australia v Zimbabwe
Competition :- Cricket World Cup 2011
Venue :- Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad
Date :- Monday, 21 February 2011
Start time:- 09:00 GMT

Australia have reached the finals of every World Cup since 1996, winning it on the last three occasions. They begin their quest to win a record fourth consecutive World Cup against lowly Zimbabwe at Ahmedabad. The bookmakers have the Aussies as firm favourites for this tie. Read our preview and bet on the game with Bet365.

Australia results – last few games – most recent games on top
v. South Africa (Lost by 7 wickets) Clarke 73
v. India (Lost by 38 runs) Ponting 57, Lee 3-35

Although the Aussies have lost both their warm-up games, they are still very much firm favourites to lift the Cup. Not long ago, they comprehensively demolished England 6-1 in the one-day series following the Ashes. The Cup may well be the last tournament for household names such as Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee. The core of the side is very young and has some promising all-round players in Shane Watson, Steven Smith, John Hastings and finally, Michael Clarke.

Zimbabwe results – last few games – most recent games on top
v. Ireland (Lost by 4 wickets) Chigumbura 103, Price 2-37
v. South Africa(Lost by 8 wickets) Taylor 40, Price 1-19

The turmoil in Zimbabwe over the last decade had a morbid effect on their cricket. After looking like strong competitors at the turn of the century, their cricket faded into obscurity. As late as 2009, cricket has stabilized. Their squad is led by a young, 24-year all-rounder called Elton Chigumbura. The hard-hitting batsman has an experience of 120 ODIs under his belt and will have to lead Zimbabwe from the front. Brendon Taylor, Charles Coventry and Tatenda Taibu are no mugs with the bat. They also have a very competent spin department – Ray Price, Prosper Utseya and Greame Cremer will be more than handy on Indian pitches.

Match Verdict: Bet365 have made Aussies the clear favourites by with odds of 1/16 on a Aussie win. It’s hard to not see that happening.

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