Friday's T20 World Cup predictions & cricket betting tips: Spin threat to hosts

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for Ireland v New Zealand and Australia v Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup on Friday.

Where to watch

Ireland v New Zealand
Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 4am Friday

Australia v Afghanistan
Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 8am Friday

Best bets

Glenn Phillips top New Zealand runscorer v Ireland
Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 4am Friday
1pt 4-1 general

Mujeeb Ur Rahman top Afghanistan wicket-taker v Australia
Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 8am Friday
1pt 100-30 Coral, Ladbrokes

Preview

Afghanistan's T20 World Cup campaign has been something of a damp squib, with disappointing defeats to England and Sri Lanka either side of a couple of washouts against New Zealand and Ireland.

However, the Afghans could still have a big say in who qualifies for the semi-finals from Group 1 as they take on Australia in Adelaide.

The Aussies, defending T20 world champions, will be desperate for 11-2 Ireland to upset New Zealand in Friday's first game but a comprehensive victory over Afghanistan is required if they are to put pressure on top-two rivals England.

Captain Aaron Finch and big hitter Tim David are doubtful due to hamstring niggles and Australia will be wary of Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, an adopted hero at the Adelaide Oval due to his Big Bash exploits for the Strikers.

However, Rashid could be overshadowed by fellow spin wizard Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who took 1-22 against England and 2-24 against the Lankans and could extend Australia opener David Warner's lean run at this tournament.

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips has been in excellent touch, blasting 104 in a total of 167-7 against Sri Lanka and top-scoring with 62 off 36 balls in Tuesday's defeat to England.

Middle-order man Phillips was also the Black Caps' leading runscorer in August's 3-0 T20 series victory in Ireland, whose new-ball bowlers have dismissed Warner and England openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales cheaply in their last two matches.

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