T20 Cricket World Cup Outright Tips: Selections and predictions including 40/1 shot
The big three of world cricket – Australia, England and India – dominate the betting for the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, which begins on Saturday, February 7.
India are the reigning champions, having won a second world T20 crown in the West Indies and USA two years ago, and they will have an entire nation pulling for them in their title defence as co-hosts alongside Sri Lanka.
The Indians have been imperious in the shortest format since beating South Africa in the 2024 final but five other nations have also been crowned world T20 champions and there have been eight different finalists in the nine editions to date, so most of the 20 nations on show will harbour hopes of making their mark.
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T20 Cricket World Cup Outright Tips
Proteas’ wait may finally be over
South Africa’s relationship with global white-ball tournaments is one of disappointment and near-misses.
The Proteas’ narrow defeat to India in the final of the T20 World Cup two years ago was another case of what might have been for South Africa on the global stage.
However, last year’s World Test Championship final success over Australia at Lord’s could be the catalyst for further success and, while India are deserved favourites given both their strength and the benefit of home conditions, South Africa are every bit as capable as the three sides ahead of them in the market.
Aiden Markram leads a talented and well-rounded unit, and the fact they play all of their four Group D matches in India, three of which are at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, is also in their favour.
As with many of the top nations, South Africa’s squad is littered with star talent who are accustomed to India conditions due to their involvement in the IPL.
Indeed, the fact that so many of the world’s best cricketers now play in the IPL every year may mean that conditions are not as much of an unknown, or an advantage to India, as perhaps would otherwise have been the case.
South Africa were once again left crestfallen in Barbados two years ago, but it may be the Proteas time to finally deliver on the international stage.
Lankans can make the most of home comforts
Co-hosts Sri Lanka have not made it out of their group since winning the T20 World Cup in 2014 but that could all change this year.
Sri Lanka have been given a great chance to go deep with all of their matches set to be played on home soil, where they are traditionally at their strongest.
While IPL experience may negate India’s home advantage to a degree, that should not be the case for Sri Lanka, who should be able to use the turning pitches of Colombo and Kandy to their benefit.
The return of leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is a big plus for the co-hosts, who look a spot of each-way value at 40/1.
It would be a great surprise if they fail to get out of Group B given that their only real threat for top spot is Australia, and opening matches against Ireland and Oman should put them in pole position to nail a place in the top two before taking on the Aussies.
The Super 8s will be tougher but Sri Lanka showed against England last month that they are a potent side in their own conditions.
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All odds correct at time of writing.
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