Group bragging rights up for grabs
Sri Lanka and New Zealand have already qualified for the quarter-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup but their group clash on Saturday is still relevant as the winner will top Group C, giving them momentum going into the quarter-finals
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Sri Lanka and New Zealand have already qualified for the quarter-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup but their group clash on Saturday is still relevant as the winner will top Group C, giving them momentum going into the quarter-finals.
Click here to bet on Sri Lanka v New Zealand at bet365
It's arguable who they'd rather play in the last eight, so it's not entirely a done deal as to whether it is worth topping Group C but momentum is a great thing and both Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be gunning for another win.
Bet365 make Sri Lanka 8/11 (1.72) favourites, with New Zealand even money (2.00).
Both sides may rest players given the circumstances, but Sanath Jayasuriya will be looking for another big score after his 88 in his side's opening match against Kenya. New Zealand, who could yet prove to be a dark horse in this format given that their bowlers like to take the pace off the ball, will prove much tougher opposition, of course.
That said, Jayasuriya is still favourite to top-score for his side, at 9/4 (3.25), while Upul Tharanga is 3/1 and Mahela Jayawardene 4/1. Kumar Sangakkara is a 9/2 chance, while Chamara Silva is 11/2. Jehan Mubarak is 13/2, the same price as Gayan Wijekoon.
For New Zealand, Brendon McCullum and Lou Vincent are joint favourites at 3/1 and this form of cricket is right up McCullum's street. Peter Fulton is 4/1 and Ross Taylor 9/2, while Jacob Oram is tempting at 5/1, the same price as Scott Styris.
New Zealand are a tempting bet at the price, but Sri Lanka seem to have set their stall out to win the competition, so they are probably the bet at 8/11.
Cambers' Call:
Sri Lanka to beat New Zealand 8/11 (1.72) bet365
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's betting correspondent
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