-
South Africa power will be too much for Afghans
-
De Kock and Zadran solid batter bets
-
Spin may trouble Australia
-
Get Ed's tips for both of Wednesday's matches
-
Read the team guide and rankings here
-
Read our Ultimate Guide to the tournament here
-
For Betfair's latest cricket betting odds click here
South Africa v Afghanistan - Back Quinton de Kock to score 50 5/23.50
South Africa v Afghanistan
Wednesday 05:30
TV: live on Sky Sports
While the likes of India, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have had their wobbles against the weaker nations, narrowly avoiding embarrassing defeats, South Africa were seemingly forewarned. They made sure there was no mistake against Canada to lay down a marker.
They have another opportunity to shorten in the outright market against Afghanistan, who were well beaten by New Zealand in conditions which should have suited them. There are fears they could be in for a difficult game in Ahmedabad.
South Africa are efficient and powerful. Afghanistan are the ultimate one dimensional team, topping the bowling economy for the top nine teams but rating bottom on batting strike rate. On this surface they have to be able to live with the South African hitters and the omens do not look good.
In Chennai, on a spin-friendly surface, the Afghans couldn't keep the Kiwis down in a nasty-looking chase. Having boshed 213 against Canada on the same surface, South Africa will feel confident in the wicket. On a road, South Africa's over 178.5 match runs has appeal but the cheaper line on Afghanistan at 164.5 is probably the shrewd call. It's a good enough surface for them to manage what would be considered even below par.
There are players to follow. Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran is ultra reliable and the over 25.5 on the performance line (1pt per run, 10 per catch, 20 per wicket) is a good way of playing. His runs quote is only 21.5.
Quinton de Kock has a score in him and a top-bat win appears to be guaranteed at some stage with four successes in 11 since his return to the team. Betfair Sportsbook offer 16/54.20 for him to top bat. To take others out of the equation, back him for a 50 at 5/23.50.
Back Ibrahim Zadran over 25.5 performance points
Back Quinton de Kock to score 50
Australia v Ireland - trade Ireland to 3.505/2
Australia v Ireland
Wednesday, 09.30
TV: live on Sky Sports
Australia are the shock absorbers of the world game in recent years at ICC events. Even when they are on the brink of humiliation, up pops Glenn Maxwell to produce the greatest ODI innings if all time.
They will probably get over the line against Ireland. But it might require a late show or calm in nervous moments. Ireland should really have beaten Sri Lanka on this surface but have probably improved for the experience of conditions. Australia come in somewhat cold.
Against the Lankans, Ireland dropped five catches. At least two were breaking through the hands for six. It is not unreasonable to reckon that Sri lanka should have posted about 130. In the context of Ireland being 100 for two in the chase, it is another missed opportunity for an upset.
The Irish could well be worth a trade. The spinning surface at the RPS might give Australia flashbacks to their horrible performance pre-tournament against Pakistan when they struggled against turn. George Dockrell and Matt Humphreys are both decent operators for Ireland.
From a starting point 10.5019/2 Ireland can get as short as 3.505/2. A one-point back on Ireland and two point lay will guarantee a one-point return on an Australia win. There is a caveat, though. Chasing is easier at the RPS, with 10 of the last 13 won by the side fielding first.
Back-to-lay Ireland batting 2nd to...