is well and truly underway, with three matches so far. Tuesday’s action will see a triple-header as Afghanistan takes on Uganda while defending champions, England square off against Scotland, and the Netherlands battle Nepal to close out the day’s action. We’ve prepared the best bets to take for Tuesday’s matches.
Afghanistan vs Uganda
Tuesday, 4 June at 02:30
Venue: Providence Stadium
Afghanistan has been a fixture in the T20 World Cup since 2010 but have struggled to advance, winning only seven of 22 matches, with just two wins against full member nations. This year, they have a mixed record of four wins, a tie, and five losses. Captain Rashid Khan, a key player, leads the team with impressive bowling stats. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are crucial with the bat, though their consistency varies.
Uganda, the ultimate underdog, gained T20I status in 2019 and has won 66 out of 84 matches since 2021. Key players include veteran Frank Nsubuga, Roger Mukasa, and Henry Ssenyondo, nearing his 100th T20I wicket. This match is a test for Afghanistan to leverage their experience while Uganda aims to make a strong debut in the World Cup. Back the favourites, Afghanistan to win this game.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win at 1.01.
Best Bet: Ibrahim Zadran to score 50+ runs at 2.75.
Value Bet: Noor Ahmad to be Afghanistan’s top bowler at 4.75.
England vs Scotland
Tuesday, 4 June at 16:30
Venue: Kensington Oval Barbados
Given their rich histories in football and rugby, it’s surprising that cricket has yet to see more matches between these nations. Scotland was part of the Test and County Cricket Board from 1968 until 1996 and gained ICC associate membership in 1994.
In ODIs, England leads 3-1, but Scottish fans cherish their last meeting’s win in 2018. This historic victory could see up to 11 players from that game playing again on Tuesday.
Despite losing to Scotland, England went on to win the ODI World Cup 13 months later. However, their recent seventh-place finish in the 2023 World Cup highlights areas needing improvement. Coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler aim to build on their strong T20WC performances, including winning the 2022 championship in Australia. Jonny Bairstow and Jofra Archer return, but Ben Stokes is absent.
Scotland, in their sixth T20 World Cup, returns with 11 players from the 2022 tournament and adds newcomers Brad Currie, and Oli Hairs, and young talents Jack Jarvis and Charlie Tear. Richie Berrington, one of the five players from the 2016 squad, leads a team blending youth and experience.
With only the top two from each group advancing to the Super 8s, Scotland will aim to capitalise on their more winnable matches against Namibia and Oman. However, they will be highly motivated to secure a victory against the reigning champions. England are overwhelming favourites to win this game and rightfully so.
Netherlands vs Nepal
Tuesday, 4 June at 17:30
Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium
Eight players from the 2022 squad and 11 from last year’s ODI World Cup bring experience to the Netherlands. However, key players like Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe are missing due to county commitments, and injuries have sidelined Fred Klaassen and Daniel Doram. Veteran Wes Barresi returns, complemented by young talents.
Tim Pringle’s slow left-arm spin, Aryan Dutt’s economical bowling, and Saqib Zulfiqar’s leg-spin will be crucial. Michael Levitt is a promising batsman to watch, with Scott Edwards, Bas de Leede, and Logan van Beek leading with the bat. The Dutch will face Nepal and South Africa in the USA before matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Not favoured to reach the Super 8s, the Dutch have a decent record against these teams and hope to spring a few surprises.
Nepal returns to the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2014. They’ve struggled in recent qualifiers but secured their spot this year by defeating UAE at home. Veteran Sompal Kami leads a team featuring hard-hitting Dipendra Singh Airee and experienced bowlers like Abinash Bohara and Karan KC. They aim for upsets and strong performances, starting against the Netherlands without star bowler Sandeep Lamichhane due to visa issues. Back the Netherlands to win.