Sri Lanka vs UAE Match Prediction & Betting Tips
One of the biggest upsets in recent Twenty20 World Cup history means our Sri Lanka vs UAE betting tips take on a different slant. After the defeat to Namibia, the Lions have to win to keep their World Cup hopes alive, but can they get the job done against an unpredictable UAE outfit?
Many observers had Sri Lanka as one of the outsiders coming into this World Cup - mainly because of their Asia Cup triumph on home turf earlier in Autumn. Australia is likely to provide different conditions to Sri Lanka, however, and the batting unit was exposed on a two-faced pitch against Namibia. Can they learn a lesson? The action gets underway from 1.30 pm IST on Tuesday 18th October at the GMBHA Stadium.
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Sri Lanka vs UAE Betting Tips
Despite their defeat, our Sri Lanka vs UAE betting tips are siding with a win for the Lions - they are much the stronger side than the UAE and have some great talent dotted throughout the side, although they do lack tournament experience.
You can back them to win at odds of 1.09, while the UAE are available at odds of 6.8, should you wish to back another upset in a World Cup which looks primed for them!
While we think they will win, the unpredictable nature of the qualifying groups so far means we would recommend avoiding investing too heavily in them.
Instead, you could look at some individual player bets. The standout bowler for Sri Lanka against Namibia was Maheesh Theekshana - he picked up 1/23 from four overs and was the only bowler to finish with an economy rate under a run a ball. You can back him at odds of 4.3 to finish top bowler for Sri Lanka.
From a batting perspective, Pathum Nissanka did not live up to his considerable bank of talent - he’s a good opening batsman and is a solid bet to finish top of the scoring ranks for the Lions at odds of 3.6.
For some UAE-centric free cricket betting tips, check out Junaid Siddique - he bagged 3/24 from four overs in their three-wicket defeat to the Netherlands on Sunday, and you can back him at odds of 4.6 to finish top bowler for the UAE.
Sri Lanka Preview
After the elation of winning the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka have come back down to earth with a big bump - the mission against UAE is to ensure the bump doesn’t become a crash landing.
It would be a disastrous result for Sri Lanka to exit the tournament before the Super 12s, and the margin of defeat to Namibia does their cause no good at all, with a huge hit to the net run rate.
However, the Netherlands and the UAE were also involved in a close game, which means they are still in with a chance! But they will need to beat the UAE with a lot to spare.
There are no new injury concerns for Sri Lanka - they are likely to go into the game unchanged.
Predicted Playing XI
Kusal Mendis (w), Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapasksa, Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Chameera, Madhushan
UAE Preview
More was expected from the UAE - especially in the batting stakes. They never managed to get going against the Netherlands, and were dismissed for 111/8.
Despite a spirited bowling performance, they were never in front in the match and now face a stiff task to qualify. A monumental upset here seems unlikely.
They are likely to go into the Sri Lanka game unchanged.
Predicted Playing XI
Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Ayan Lakra, Vriitya Aravind, Chundangapoyil Rizwan (c), Basil Hameed, Zawar Farid, Ayan Afzal Khan, Karthik Meiyappan, Sabir Ali, Zahoor Khan.
Venue & Weather Forecast
There looks like there may be some rain later in the week in Victoria, but the weather should stay largely dry on Tuesday. It’s been difficult for teams to register imposing totals so far at this venue - we anticipate another low-scoring affair here.
Conclusion
Even though Sri Lanka’s confidence has been knocked, they should have more than enough to get past the UAE. Look out for a big win - they need to improve their run rate.
