England v Sri Lanka First T20I: 3 Bets to Take

England and Sri Lanka are set to begin their limited-overs campaign starting with a three-match T20I series tomorrow at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. England are the number one ranked side in this format and will be playing at home which makes them overwhelming favourites.

We’ve put together three bets to take for the first T20I

Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow is a slight injury worry for England even though scans on his ankle came back clear. Bairstow is an integral part of England’s T20I team as he bats at number three but can also open the batting. Whether he’s facing pace or spin, Bairstow can clear the ropes with ease which will make him very dangerous against an average Sri Lankan bowling attack. If Bairstow is not fit enough to play in the first match then Dawid Malan, the number one ranked T20I batsman in the world, would be a great second option to be England’s top batsman 

Suggested Bet: Bairstow to be England’s top batsman (3.50)

Suggested Bet: Malan to be England’s top batsman (4.50)

Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga has been a revelation for Sri Lankan cricket, especially in T20Is. In 16 matches, the leg-spinner has picked up 24 wickets. The economy rate of 6.76 means that apart from picking wickets, he keeps a check on the run-scoring as well. The 23-year-old Hasaranga is no mug with the bat either as he already has three half-centuries to his name for Sri Lanka in international cricket.

Suggested Bet: Wanindu Hasaranga to be Sri Lanka’s top bowler 3.80

England Highest Runs in First 6 Overs

England’s opening pair of Jos Buttler and Jason Roy are two very dangerous batsmen who can take apart any bowling attack. Even if they lose an early wicket they still have the likes of Bairstow and Malan to count on. England’s attacking style of batting means that they are always going to score at a rapid rate even if they lose early wickets, so Eoin Morgan’s side are more likely to score the most runs after 6 overs. 

Suggested Bet: England highest runs in 1st 6 overs 1.54