A blockbuster week of T20 cricket features the start of the England vs India series and the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, value plays, and key betting angles for this week’s fixtures.
England vs India, first T20I
Date and time: July 1 (Wednesday) at 5:30pm BST
Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
The world’s top two-ranked T20I sides renew their rivalry in an exciting five-match series.
India arrive as two-time defending T20 World Cup champions (2024 and 2026), although a shock 2-0 series defeat to Ireland has raised a few questions.
Nonetheless, the tourists would look to continue with the ultra-aggressive batting template that has made them the most feared T20 side in world cricket.
There is also plenty of intrigue surrounding teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who could be handed his international debut.
England, meanwhile, boast a line-up packed with six-hitters and match-winners.
England will relish the challenge in familiar home conditions.
However, it would be a stern test against an Indian side that have won eight of the last 11 completed T20Is between the teams since 2022.
The markets make India 1.70 favourites for a winning start in the series, with England available at 2.10.
Best bets
Match winner – India
England top batter – Harry Brook
India top batter – Ishan Kishan
England top bowler – Jofra Archer
India top bowler – Arshdeep Singh
Most sixes in the match – Abhishek Sharma
