There’s hardly a break if you’re a passionate fan of cricket. There are always matches to watch, whether it’s a domestic league in India or Australia, international friendlies, or trophy competitions. And, with matches taking place at various corners of the globe, it’s hard to find a time when there isn’t an ongoing cricket match.
This week is no different. The Big Bash League, an eight-team league in Australia, concludes its regular season with Match 55 and 56 on January 25. The playoffs begin two days later. The International League T20 is also still ongoing, while Ranji Trophy competition ramps up in India. The South African and English teams also begin a three-match ODI series of friendlies in the South African cities of Bloemfontein and Kimberley. Let’s dive right in so you can bet against the Cricket Odds
Weekly Betting Rundown and Analysis for the Best Cricket Games On Schedule | Jan. 25th to 27th
Melbourne Stars vs. Sydney Thunder (Big Bash League) – Wednesday, January 25
The Melbourne Stars host the Sydney Thunder at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the final match of the 2022-23 Big Bash League (BBL) season. Melbourne is in last place with just 6 points through 14 games, while the Sydney Thunder sit in the fifth and final playoff spot. Sydney could potentially move all the way up to third with a victory. Sydney beat Melbourne by one wicket in their first match of the season.
With a win, Sydney could avoid playing in the one-match eliminator and advance directly to the qualifier match to face the winner of the eliminator, which pits the fourth and fifth-place teams against each other. The BBL final takes place on February 4.
Sharjah Warriors vs. Dubai Capitals (International League T20) – Thursday, January 26
The inaugural season of the six-team International League T20 is well underway, with four of the six teams playing five matches as of the start of this week. The Sharjah Warriors and Dubai Capitals meet on Thursday in a pivotal match for both teams. Sharjah sits in fourth place with a record of 2-3, while the Capitals are also 2-3 but sit in fifth place due to a lower net run rate (NRR). Only the top four teams make the playoffs.
The two teams met last weekend in Match 10, with the Warriors winning by seven wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Tom Kohler-Cadmore received the Player of the Match distinction. Dubai hopes to return the favor and inch closer to securing a playoff spot at its home stadium on Thursday. The International League T20 final is scheduled for February 12.
England vs. South Africa (ODI 1 of 3) – Friday, January 27
South Africa is playing a series of Test, and ODI matches against international rivals in the next few months as it prepares for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. It will also play its final round of matches against the West Indies in February and March for the ICC World Test Championship.
However, the marquee matchup this week is the country’s first of three ODI matches against England. Of note, Jofra Archer will make his first appearance for England since March 2021. The seamer was sidelined for nearly two years after undergoing a pair of operations on his elbow and suffering a stress fracture on his back. The two teams play again on January 29 and February 1.
