Weekly Cricket Roundup – Asia Cup Predictions 

Asia Cup predictions take priority in the latest edition of Sports Hub’s Weekly Cricket Roundup. The action gets underway on Wednesday, August 30, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament. 

Not only will I be sharing my Asia Cup predictions and betting advice, but I will also be discussing the updated 2023 Cricket World Cup odds. After all, the biggest event in ODI cricket is right around the corner. 

Before we go any further, though, let’s go over all the latest news from the world of cricket. With tournaments starting and ending across the globe, cricket fans and bettors have a lot to be excited about. 

Latest Cricket News – What’s Been Happening? 

The third edition of The Hundred has finished over in the UK, with the tournament reaching its climax last weekend. The Southern Brave won the women’s title, while the Oval Invincibles won the men’s title. 

The Brave women made it third time lucky after losing the final in 2021 and 2022. Following title triumphs for the Invincibles women in 2021 and 2022, the men’s team brought home the title this time around. 

Elsewhere, South Africa and Australia will contest a three-match ODI series this week, while England and New Zealand begin their four-match T20 series. On the topic of T20 cricket, the Caribbean Premier League is also in full swing. 

Now that you’re up to speed on what’s happening in the world of cricket, allow me to share some Asia Cup predictions and picks with you. 

Asia Cup Predictions and Picks 

The 16th edition of the Asia Cup kicks off this Wednesday, August 30. The exciting ODI tournament is being staged in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal also competing for the trophy. 

Before we dive into my Asia Cup predictions, let’s assess the bookies’ outright odds ahead of the tournament. 

2023 ASIA CUP OUTRIGHT ODDS 

• India (+100) 
• Pakistan (+200) 
• Sri Lanka (+550) 
• Bangladesh (+800) 
• Afghanistan (+2200) 
• Nepal (+10000) 

As expected, India (+100) is the bookies’ favorite to win the 2023 Asia Cup, although Pakistan (+200) isn’t far behind. Sri Lanka (+550) and Bangladesh (+800) bridge the gap between the favorites and outsiders, while Afghanistan (+2200) and Nepal (+10000) complete the lineup. 

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka face off on Thursday, August 31, before Pakistan and India clash on Saturday, September 2. You can find my Asia Cup predictions and picks for those two matches below. 

Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka Prediction 

Odds: Bangladesh (+150); Sri Lanka (-182) 

Bangladesh enters the 2023 Asia Cup in questionable form after recording mixed results against Ireland and Afghanistan in recent months. After winning two ODI series against Ireland, Bangladesh suffered a 2-1 defeat to Afghanistan in July. 

On the flip side, Sri Lanka chalked up 12 consecutive ODI victories across June and July, securing a spot in the World Cup as a result. That said, the Sri Lankans have only faced lower-ranked nations like Oman and Scotland in recent times. 

It is worth remembering, however, that Sri Lanka won the T20 Asia Cup title last year, defeating Pakistan in the final. With that in mind, the reigning champions will be hopeful of defending their crown. 

Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS PICK 

Pakistan vs. India Prediction 

Odds: Pakistan (+162); India (-200) 

When it comes to rivalries in cricket, it doesn’t get much bigger than the feud between Pakistan and India. The old foes have faced each other in countless memorable battles over the years, and they will renew hostilities this weekend. 

Pakistan has already claimed impressive ODI victories against New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan this year. With guys like Mohammed Rizwan, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq leading the way, the Falcons will fancy their chances of going all the way in the Asia Cup. 

Still, there is no hiding the fact that India is the dominant force in Asian cricket. India boasts one of the strongest rosters on the planet, so I’m backing the Men in Blue to kick-start their campaign with a win against their arch-rivals. 

Best Bet: India (-200) 

Updated Cricket World Cup Odds 

Now that you’ve had my Asia Cup predictions for this week, let’s wrap things up by checking out the latest outright odds for the 2023 Cricket World Cup. As you will see, India and Pakistan are among the favorites. 

• India (+220) 
• England (+300) 
• Australia (+400) 
• Pakistan (+650) 
• New Zealand (+900) 
• South Africa (+1000) 
• Sri Lanka (+3300) 
• Afghanistan (+7000) 
• Bangladesh (+7000) 
• Netherlands (+35000) 

Although India (+220) is the bookies’ favorite to win the World Cup, there is plenty of betting value on offer in the outright odds. I mean, England (+300) is the defending champion, and Australia (+400) has won four of the past six titles. 

The prices for Pakistan (+650), New Zealand (+900) and South Africa (+1000) are also bound to attract plenty of attention. Let’s not forget that New Zealand has reached each of the previous two World Cup finals. 

It goes without saying that Afghanistan (+7000), Bangladesh (+7000) and the Netherlands (+35000) will struggle to secure the silverware. However, it is not inconceivable that Afghanistan or Bangladesh could win the tournament if they play to the best of their ability. 

Lock In Your Asia Cup Predictions 

The cricket betting opportunities just keep on coming. The Hundred may have finished, but there are lots of other exciting tournaments to wager on around the world. 

Keep an eye out for more Asia Cup predictions in the coming weeks. With the event scheduled to finish on September 17, you can expect to find more Asia Cup predictions in upcoming editions of Sports Hub’s Weekly Cricket Roundup. 

Finally, I recommend locking in your Cricket World Cup picks as soon as possible. The bookies are bound to alter their outright odds before the tournament gets underway, meaning you can find the best value right now.