The 2015 Cricket World Cup enters its final round of group matches this weekend; undoubtedly highlighted by host nation Australia aiming to consolidate second position in Pool A against minnows Scotland at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena on Saturday.
Australia
Having been humiliated at the hands of New Zealand’s attack two weeks ago, Australia’s batsmen have responded well in their two most recent World Cup fixtures; posting 417 against Afghanistan before setting an un-reachable 376 for realistic title contenders Sri Lanka.
Shane Watson was dropped from the Australian team following a string of disappointing efforts with the bat, but after returning to the fold with a quick-fire 67 off just 41 deliveries against Sri Lanka, appears ready for another confidence-boosting effort on Saturday.
Mitchell Starc has continued to impress with the ball and currently rates as the tournament’s second-best bowler statistically after New Zealand’s Tim Southee. Having taken a total of 12 wickets in five matches so far, Starc will have to be on-song if to continue his impressive run on a Hobart pitch known to offer little to pace bowlers.
Scotland
Scotland are yet to secure a World Cup victory, but have been far from disgraced over their five matches so far.
Beginning their campaign with a well-fought three wicket loss to Pool leaders New Zealand, the Saltries troubled fierce rivals England several times in their fixture before falling agonizingly-close to maiden success against Afghanistan on February 26th.
Having since fallen short against the in-form Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Scotland will be aiming to end their tenure at the 2015 World Cup with another competitive performance against the tournament favourites.
Scotland’s standout World Cup performer has without doubt been paceman Josh Davey, who has taken an impressive 14 wickets for just 273 runs. While facing a huge task in the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith and Michael Clarke, Davey is offered an excellent opportunity to leap-frog Trent Boult (15) into first position in the race towards the tournament’s highest wicket taker.
Australia vs Scotland World Cup Betting
Coming up against the tournament favourites, Scotland is offered virtually no chance of beating Australia ($1.01) this weekend, and have drifted from an opening quote of $15 to currently register as $17 outsiders. Shane Watson found good form in Australia’s most recent victory, and as a result figures as excellent value to be his nation’s top run scorer against Scotland at a quote of $10, while Scottish opener Kyle Coetzer offers value for his country at $4 odds after hitting a record 156 against Bangladesh on March 5th.
Place a top run scorer bet on the Australia and Scotland clash and if your selection is either bowled or given out LBW, then you’ll get your stake back as a bonus bet. Max bet $100.
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Australia vs Scotland Statistics
Overall (ODI)
Australia Wins: 4
Scotland Wins: 0
At The World Cup
Australia Wins: 2
Scotland Wins: 0
Analysis
Australia are yet to be troubled by Scotland in either of their two World Cup meetings or two ODI matches in Edinburgh; winning their most recent fixture in 2013 by 200 runs, and as a result offer no value whatsoever in head to head markets.
The hosts have undoubtedly been at their best in the field this tournament, but have also found great form with the bat against decent bowling attacks in recent matches and look likely to post another massive score on Saturday.
The key to a competitive performance from Scotland undoubtedly lies in their bowling attack; namely via Josh Davey ($3.50 to take the most wickets for Scotland) who will have to shoulder a good portion of the workload after notable spinner Majid Haq was sent home this week for disciplinary reasons.
Betting value undoubtedly lies in markets for both top run scorer and highest wicker taker in this match, so be sure to open an account with us if you haven’t already to take advantage of the most lucrative odds available on both.
Click Here for our extensive list of markets on the World Cup match between Australia and Scotland