After an exciting qualification period that featured a number of tense games between associate nations, the World Twenty20 proper gets underway on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Australia’s campaign doesn’t get underway until Friday night during the second round of Super 10 fixtures, but there are still a number of exciting games set to take place over the next couple of days.
This is the first time that the World Twenty20 has been held in India and the host nation are desperate to lift the trophy for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2007 – a victory which led to the formation of the Indian Premier League.
India have a strong record in Twenty20 cricket – especially in front of their home fans – but their record against New Zealand is terrible and they have lost all four previous meetings between the two sides.
New Zealand have plenty of talent in their side that is suited to Twenty20 cricket and the conditions don’t really give India that big of an edge here.
I am always keen to play the underdog in Twenty20 cricket and in this case there is plenty of data to suggest that New Zealand should be available at much shorter odds.
Recommended Bet: New Zealand To Win @$2.60
Bangladesh are in red-hot form and head into this tournament full of confidence after they finished second in the Asia Cup and qualified for this stage of the World Twenty20.
They have a poor record against Pakistan in Twenty20 cricket – having won just two of the nine games played between the two sides – but they did win the most recent game between the two sides at the Asia Cup.
Pakistan have been consistent performers at the World Twenty20 throughout its history and they have a number of the best Twenty20 players in the world in their side, but this is a form of cricket where it pays to stick with the hot hand and Bangladesh stand out at their current quote of $2.30.
Recommended Bet: Bangladesh To Win @ $2.30
Twenty20 is the one form of cricket that the West Indies excel in and they beat Australia in their final warm-up game for this tournament.
England have struggled in Twenty20 cricket in recent times, but they have won six of their previous 11 meetings against the West Indies and they have won their only two meetings in subcontinent conditions.
The West Indies side is packed full of Twenty20 specialists and adding to their strength is the factor that they have three spin bowlers in the form of Samuel Badree, Suliemann Benn and Ashley Nurse that all could thrive in India.
England also have a decent squad, but it lacks the upside of the West Indian outfit and the Darren Sammy-led side have been underrated in betting ahead of the start of the tournament.
Recommended Bet: West Indies To Win @ $2.10
Afghanistan recorded impressive wins over Zimbabwe, Scotland and Hong Kong to reach this stage of the tournament and will be another team that goes into the Super 10 stage of the tournament with plenty of confidence.
Afghanistan have lost their only previous Twenty20 meeting with Pakistan, but you have to respect momentum and they are in with a better chance than their odds suggest.
In saying that, Sri Lanka are the defending World Twenty20 Champions and historically they have been a very successful team in this form of the game.
Their recent form in the Asia Cup was poor and we aren’t keen to jump in at the current price on offer, but they should still be able to win this contest.
Recommended Bet: No Bet