Who do the bookies think will win the World Twenty20 cricket?

Answer 1

There are a number of teams worth backing if you want to bet on the World Twenty/20 as the competition remains very open. The short and fast nature of the game means that on the day anyone can beat anyone - as was shown by The Netherlands shock win over England in the tournament opener. However looking at the betting it is clear the bookies have a fair idea of which two teams will be or there abouts come the final.

Much of the pre-tournament hype surrounds reigning champions India, as they have all the attributes required for a successful Twenty/20 side. The upper order is littered with big hitters who can take advantage of the six over power play. They have a talented spin duo in Pragyan Ohja and Harbhajan Singh, who can work in tandem to frustrate the opposition batsmen and slow down the run-rate in the middle of the innings. While they also have the likes of fast bowler Zaheer Khan, whose can use all his experience to steer them home at the death. They are deserved favourites.

Elsewhere the shock early exit of Australia means South Africa can be considered second favourites. Captain Graeme Smith leads a side packed with players who starred at the IPL, Smith included.If the likes of Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher can re-create their IPL form on the International stage they are definitely in with a shout, and this is reflected in the betting.

Beyond the South Africans the bookies see the likes of England, Sri Lanka, West Indies and New Zealand as outsiders because, although they all have talented players, each side would have to up their game if they are to progress. But given the unpredictable nature of Twenty/20 they may be worth an outside bet as they could earn you some decent cash should they spring a surprise!