Excitement is growing ahead of the T20 World Cup, with the eyes of the cricketing world set to be on Australia over October and November.
With the major tournament edging ever closer, here are three players who have the ability to light up the competition later this year.
Finch looking to lead from the front
As captain of the host nation, Australia skipper Aaron Finch will be determined to lead by example at the World Cup this year. The Aussies, who are currently 10/3 in the cricket betting with Betfair, are one of the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy on home soil. Many cricket betting tips will be backing Australia to make the most of their familiar surroundings and see off the likes of India, England, Pakistan and New Zealand to the title. Finch will know that little is guaranteed in the shortest format of the game but if he can find form at the tournament, Australia have the ability to go far.
Finch has had his injury issues of late but it looks like the 35-year-old has managed to put his knee problems behind him. It means Finch will be looking to get as much time out on the field as possible, before Australia take on neighbours New Zealand in their opening game on 22 October in the idyllic surroundings of the Sydney Cricket Ground. After 88 T20 matches, Finch has amassed 2,686 runs at an average of 34.34. With two centuries and 15 half-centuries, Finch has established himself as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the game. Certainly, one to look out for.
Malan can provide England platform
While England have struggled in the Test arena this year, they do have the ability to go far in this upcoming T20 World Cup. Dawid Malan has the talent to impress, with the 34-year-old batsman averaging 41.30 in his first 36 T20 matches. Malan has managed to hit 50s in almost a third of the matches he’s played for his country in the shortest format of the game. That’s why Malan is in fourth place in the T20 world rankings and why England will be hoping he can shine in Australia.
With the likes of Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes also looking to be involved at the World Cup, the Three Lions do have talented batsmen that can take a game away from any team. England won the tournament in the Caribbean by beating Australia in the final back in 2010. Malan could well play a key role in taking England back to the top.
Nabi a world-class talent
One of the most highly sought-after players in T20 cricket at the moment Afghanistan’s 37-year-old Mohammad Nabi will be looking to impress in what could be his last World Cup. The Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder will be eager to help Afghanistan cause a few upsets against some of the bigger nations this year.
Nabi certainly has the ability to single-handedly change a game, with his powerful hitting with the bat and deft bowling. If Afghanistan do manage to reach the latter stages of the tournament, there can be little doubt Nabi will have been at the heart of their success.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
