Saturday T20 World Cup predictions & cricket betting tips

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for New Zealand v Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup on Saturday.

Where to watch

New Zealand v Sri Lanka
Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 9am Saturday

Best bet

Finn Allen to score over 22.5 runs
2pts 5-6 bet365

Preview

New Zealand, beaten finalists at the 2021 T20 World Cup, made a stunning start to this year's tournament when they thrashed Australia by 89 runs and they are solid favourites to see off Sri Lanka in Sydney on Saturday morning.

The Black Caps were denied the chance to strengthen their position in Group 1 when Wednesday's game against Afghanistan was rained off but Saturday's forecast is clear.

Sri Lanka, surprise winners of the Asia Cup last month, came through the first group stage despite a crushing defeat to Namibia in their opening game.

They thrashed Ireland by nine wickets last weekend and caused Australia a few problems on Tuesday, before a 17-ball fifty from Marcus Stoinis ended their chances of an upset, but injuries are stacking up and they face a slick New Zealand side.

Kiwi opener Finn Allen blasted 42 off 16 balls against world champions Australia in their first Super 12 contest and he could tee off again at the SCG.

Allen's innings may have shocked the Aussies but it was in keeping with his approach in the early part of his international career as he boasts a batting strike-rate of 167 after 19 T20 appearances for New Zealand.

He slammed 101 off 56 balls against Scotland in July and warmed up for this tournament with some hard-hitting innings in Christchurch, including 62 off 42 against Pakistan and 32 off 19 against Bangladesh, so it may not take him long to get over a runs line of 22.5.

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