The Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway this weekend in Australia and England head out there with genuine ambitions to knock the host nation and holders off their perch. To preview the tournament, we’ve tried to pick out the best value from some of the T20 markets offered by Betfred.
Outright Winners
In my opinion, there are only three nations that can win this World Cup. Which narrows down the betting quite some way. Australia, England, and India. Now the odds are almost identical for all three, with the hosts at 3/1 alongside England and India a slightly longer price at 7/2.
Given England lost 2-1 to India earlier in the year in an ODI series on home soil, before beating the Aussies in the current T20 series, it really is a tough one to call. Even though they will have home advantage and won the last T20 World Cup in Dubai, right now I’d put the Aussies as the third best side in the world. They’ve also recently narrowly lost to India in a three match series, which is the best indicator we have to go on at the moment.
As much as Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes have the individual ability to win any match at any given moment, India offer better value. It’s a case of not letting your heart rule your head with England, even if they have a realistic chance of winning the whole thing. I’m far more inclined to trust India’s bowling attack, whereas England still have the ability to throw runs away in a matter of overs.
Sportsman Tip: India to win the T20 World Cup: 7/2 with Betfred
Top Batsman
Pakistan have two of the best three batters in the world according to the ICC Player Rankings, but weaknesses elsewhere could rule them out of winning the tournament overall. However, that doesn’t mean overlooking Mohammed Rizwan or Babar Azam at 7/1 and 8/1 respectively. Those two are the current market leaders and there are some incredibly talented batsmen in this list.
Australia’s David Warner is at 9s, Buttler is 10/1 and Pathum Nissanka is 14/1 if you fancy Sri Lanka to go well. But given we are backing India to win the entire competition, it makes sense to back one of their elite batsmen. KL Rahul is 12/1 along with his fellow opener Rohit Sharma, which would be the safer options, but I’ve got a feeling that Suryakumar Yadav at 16/1 could enjoy a spectacular tournament.
To be honest, any of that Indian trio, along with 16/1 shout Virat Kohli, could win this prize if India enjoy the tournament I believe they will. I’ll play things safe and go for Rohit Sharma on this occasion, given he should enjoy an extended spell at the crease.
Sportsman Tip: Rohit Sharma Top Batsman: 12/1 with Betfred
Top Wicket Taker
This one is a little bit more straightforward. Despite the clear abilities of the likes of Josh Hazelwood (16/1), Obed McCoy (14/1) and Akeal Hosein (16/1), Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga is the outright favourite at 7/1. It is great value from Betfred as he is 6/1 elsewhere and given what we have seen from the talented 25-year-old, he should be well in contention.
It’s now five years since he made his international debut and in that time he has established himself as one of the most potent bowlers in the short-form game. The spin bowler has taken 71 wickets in 44 T20 matches and it looks like he could tear through batting line-ups in the group stages. He is one of the stars to watch and should provide some exceptional moments over the next month.
Sportsman Tip: Wanindu Hasaranga Top Wicket Taker: 7/1 with Betfred
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
