Pakistan Super League Tipsheet Matches 3 and 4: Three ultra reliable batters to bet

Click here Peshawar Zalmi v Rawalpindi Pindiz 
Saturday 28 March, 09.30
TV: Live on Willow/Tapmad

Peshawar Zalmi v Rawalpindi Pindiz PSL Tips

The PSL is underway and unfortunately the chaos has not abated. The opener between Lahore and Hyderabad on Thursday was delayed because the latter's maroon kit died the white ball the same colour meaning no-one could see it. Meanwhile the player exodus continues.

Zalmi have lost the services of James Vince, who was a marquee signing. Vince has pulled out for personal reasons (although he may return later) and will be replaced by Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett. Bennett is probably an upgrade and should be available immediately after initial reports said he would miss the first five matches.

For Pindiz, Usman Khawaja is a left-field selection but it is not clear precisely when he will be arriving. Likewise Cole McConchie and Dian Forrester. Both were involved for New Zealand South Africa respectively in the recent T20 series. Khawaja is a replacement for Laurie Evans.

Pindiz are the Multan Sultans franchise of old but with a new name. The Multan Sultans franchise listed in the competition is the Sialkot Stallionz franchise who 'stole' the name at the last minute.

Among the confusion it is a relief to be able to stick to something ultra reliable. And that is Babar Azam. He is the only bet we need for this contest. Babar has a win rate of a massive 47% in the last two years. It is one of the highest numbers ever recorded in a study sample of more than 20 games.

It probably illustrates why Babar is such a poor T20 player. Although he scores runs he doesn't score them at a rate which suggests he is taking risks. That is perfect for punters. We're not interested in Babar striking at 140-plus. If he can just plod along in the 120s with a late flurry all well and good. 

Sportsbook offer 3/14.00 that he win for Zalmi. That suggests he is implied probability of 25%. It's a big edge. 

Click here Multan Sultans v Islamabad United odds
Saturday 28 March, 14.00
TV: Live on Willow/Tapmad

Multan Sultans v Islambad United PSL Tips

Multan Sultans will be without South African batter Delano Potgieter (replacement for Jake Frasrer-McGurk) until the end of the month. United have added tried and trusted spin all-rounder Chris Green. 

Sultans are an entirely new franchise while Islamabad are still licking their wounds after a spectacular collapse last season. They won their first five matches in the league and only recorded one more success.

Sahib Farhan and Steve Smith are potentially an explosive opening pair for Sultans who have clearly decided to be a one-dimensional outfit. They will simply try to outscore everyone having put all their eggs in the hitting basket. Farhan has a two-year win rate of 40% on top bats. Ordinarily he would be jolly in the market but Smith's inclusion means he is listed as second favoruite.

That means we have to get involved with Sportsbook's 13/53.60. Farhan has the study sample and the formguide behind him. Smith doesn't. We absolutely respect Smith in franchise T20 but his brilliant record in the Bash may or may not transfer to PSL. It didn't work out for him in The Hundred, for example.

For United we also must have an interest in Shadab Khan for reasons of win rate and bat order. He cops at 22% in the last two years and we would be surprised if he didn't bat in the top four. Sportsbook's 17/29.50 is too big.

Bookmark Betting.Betfair for cricket tips on all the big games and tournaments