Cricket World Cup: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Odds and Betting Preview

Story by Michael Peet on 2011-03-09 10:16:40

KANDY, SRI LANKA - Co-hosts Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe in Thursday's Group A clash in Kandy. The home side are clear favourites for the tie at 1/16 with Skybet, with Zimbabwe a longshot at 17/1 on Betfair. Sri Lanka, who were among the pre-tournament favourites to win the competition, will be looking to consolidate a place in the quarter-finals. After wins against Kenya and Canada and a draw with Australia, Kumar Sangakkara's side look well-placed to progress. After an encouraging victory against Canada, Zimbabwe were brought back down to earth against New Zealand last Friday, losing by 10 wickets. They have three games left to re-ignite their push for the latter stages.

Tillakaratne Dilshan is favourite to top-score for Sri Lanka at 10/3 with William Hill, but Kumar Sangakkara, who has averaged more than 50 in his last ten one day games for this country, might be better value at 7/2 with Stan James. Brendan Taylor is top chance for Zimbabwe at 7/2 with Coral but again Tatenda Taibu's batting average of 52.4 in recent fixtures may attract punters at 4/1 with most firms.

Sri Lanka vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene has spoken this week about the importance of Lasith Malinga's return to action for his side. Malinga took six wickets on his return against Kenya, including a hat-trick, and is favourite for top bowler at 7/4 with Ladbrokes. Outgoing legend Mutiah Muralitherin is priced at 3/1 in the same market, while Zimbabwe's hopes may rest on the economy of veteran spinner Ray Spinner. The 34-year old has superb economy figures so far in the tournament, is priced at 11/4 with Hills to be the pick of his side's bowling attack.

The odds on the overall match result are reflected in the prices for most sixes - BetVictor go 8/13 on the hosts clearing the ropes more than Zimbabwe, while those backing the hosts can go 11/4 with bet365.

The match kicks off at 0900 GMT.