The 2016 ICC World Twenty20 Cup is kicking off in India, and it looks set to be a cracking tournament. Unlike some competitions, this is one in which a number of sides will be confident of taking the glory, and it’s a brave punter who goes into the bet without proper research and forethought. To help you out in that regard, we’ve gone through a few of the main contenders with a preview of form and chances.
First off, however, we’ll take a quick look at how this tournament works – for the uninitiated of you out there.
HOW DOES THE ICC WORLD T20 CUP WORK?
This tournament is made up of 16 countries, with the ten full ICC members taking part automatically and six other associate or affiliate countries being chosen through the qualification rounds. So far, the occasion has been ad hoc in terms of years played, but is generally set to be every two years (although there is a four-year gap after this one). Teams are put into Group A or Group B for the group stages, and Super Groups 1 and 2 for the full member countries. The first two countries from each Group progress.
AUSTRALIA
A couple of years ago, Australia were beginning to get the feel of a spent force, with stars of the game retiring and leaving a hole in the depth of the world beaters. Well, that line of thinking has been put to shame as the new captain Steve Smith leads an unnervingly resilient squad to the pinnacle of world cricket. That said, they are yet to win the T20 World Cup and are ranked 8th in the world for this form of the game – which is something they’ll want to get out of their system. Their first game isn’t until the second week, but it’s against rivals New Zealand, having just dominated the Kiwis on their own turf.
ENGLAND
England aren’t in great shape going into the World Cup, but with an easier group to start with they may well have the chance to build their confidence before meeting the bigger sides in the final rounds. They’re currently ranked just one better place than Australia in T20 International, in 7th spot, but they have been as high as 1st and might fancy themselves to make it deep into this event.
INDIA
India are short odds to win the tournament, and will most likely do so with the sort of dominance that Australia showed in the 50-over form of the World Cup. On home soil, and having won 10 of their past 11 games of T20 – remarkable in an often unpredictable version of the game – they really aren’t looking likely to lose.
SOUTH AFRICA
Often seen as a heavyweight in international cricket with a team that continually boasts individual stars, South Africa will not go into this tournament with a huge amount of confidence having been shockingly overrun by India recently in a national tour. The fact this T20 World Cup is in that same country means the players will either crumble with the memories, or surprise us with the urge to make amends.
ICC World Twenty20 Betting Odds at Betfair
Tournament Winner
- India : 2/1
- Australia: 9/2
- South Africa: 5/1
- England: 7/1
- West Indies: 9/1
- New Zealand: 10/1
- Pakistan: 11/1
- Ski Lanka: 16/1
- Bangladesh: 28/1
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed herein are that of the author and not necessarily those of Hello Punter, and should not be taken as betting advice. No bets are guaranteed, and you may lose more money than you get back. Please gamble responsibly.
