Twenty20 World Cup Betting

As the Twenty20 World Cup takes pause for a day ahead of the start of the Super Eight stage let us look at how the markets are shaping up.

Twelve games have been played just to eliminate four teams (Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Bangaldesh) and we still have 12 more matches before we even make the semi-finals. It is fair to say that the tournament is a little over-blown. Business (as they say) is about to pick up though as the super eight stage at least features eight good teams who should be capable of producing some good matches.

It is South Africa who are the 9/2 (general) favourites to lift the trophy. The Proteas are one of four sides who booked their place in the latter stages of the tournament with two wins from two group games. Sadly for them so too did all three of their group opponents, India, Australia and Pakistan. The absurd nature of the way the tournament is a set up has meant that all these teams finds themselves together in one group, while all the sides who finished runners-up in the groups all find themselves together.

Betting wise then it makes no sense whatsoever to side with any of these teams in the same group as South Africa. I think it makes more sense to look at Group F for your bets where Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and the West Indies are in action. It is Sri Lanka at 11/2 (SkyBet/Stan James) who are the first choice. I think they are head and shoulders above the other three sides in the group and can be excused their one group loss as this came against South Africa in a match that was reduced to seven overs. Sri Lanka are the third highest ranked team in the world rankings and were runners-up in this event in 2009. They also hold the world record for highest team total in this form of the game. The second selection is England who despite a poor showing against India should not be ruled out. They are ranked number one in the Twenty20 World Rankings and it will likely come down to a straight shoot-out between them and the West Indies for the second spot. I lean towards England though I can not dismiss those who might be tempted to back both sides. England are 10/1 with BWin though they are not paying each-way, those who prefer that option can get 8/1 (sportingbet) those who prefer the West Indies can get them at 7/1 (ladbrokes).

In terms of the individual markets it is Brendan McCullum who has the most runs at 155. I think he is very catchable though as I don’t expect New Zealand to make the last four. With the New Zealander priced at 9/4 (general) you can take him on with a few players. Englishman Luke Wright has 105 runs to his name and at 12/1 (boylesports/ladbrokes) which looks worth small stakes. In addition Shane Watson at 8/1 (general) has 92 from two innings while at a much bigger price Kumar Sangakkara looks value at 25/1 (general) although he has only 57 runs currently he has games against some of the weakest bowling sides in England, New Zealand and the West Indies. The Bowling market is headed by Ajantha Mendis with six wickets so far and there is a good chance he could take more in the super eight stage. I like the look of him at 6/1 (Stan James). Those looking for one at a bigger price could do worse than Graeme Swann he has three wickets so far and can take more against the likes of the West Indies and New Zealand. The Englishman is available at 33/1 with ladbrokes.

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26/09/2012     © Frixo 2024