THE BRIEF
The World T20 actually started a little over a week ago. Oh, you didn’t notice? Not to worry as it was merely the ‘Micky Mouse’ nations getting some token games and attempting to qualify to play the big boys who kick off the real stuff tonight.
Not to detract from the cricket minnows as it’s great they are able to play in tournaments like this but, in reality, it’s only when the major nations begin that a competition gets interesting.
And tonight, it gets interesting as India – tournament host and hot favourite – kicks off its campaign against New Zealand who, as we know, can be anything when plonked on the world stage in the shorter forms of the game.
The Kiwis are back in action in a few days as Australia’s opponent for its opening match which, thankfully, will be shown live in Australia after Foxtel and the Nine Network struck a broadcast agreement with the notoriously greedy Star India.
It is a boon for cricket loving Aussies and especially those who love a bet as in play betting on Twenty 20 cricket is a whole lot of fun given the fluctuating fortunes within a match.
THE WINNERS
If you are looking long term – and I know this isn’t exactly a bold prediction – but it is India’s trophy to lose.
Home pitches in front of deliriously vocal supporters, and a side which has shown they are a very effective unit in the shortest form of the game.
India is currently $3 and while it is quite short I am still pretty happy to take that price. If they destroy New Zealand tonight, which is highly likely, I think you might only see about $2.50 by tomorrow morning.
Australia shortened to $5 of the back of a ‘warm-up’ series victory against South Africa, who has been steady at $6 and is now on the third line of betting.
For mine, I am happy to lay Australia. At best, they are an inconsistent T20 side and are still unsure of their best batting line-up.
If I was to pick a roughie from the pack then I have to say the West Indies at $11 wouldn’t be the worst bet. We know they have power hitters, prefer the T20 style and are capable of upsetting anyone. And they’ve won it before.
Before we get to the semis and final, there’s the preliminary rounds to be played.
I’d be taking India to win Group A at $2.25 and the West Indies to win Group B at $4.50.
ALL AUSSIE ADVENTURES
THE BATTING BET
It was a tight call here picking a player to be our top batsmen. Both Shane Watson and Glenn Maxwell have excellent records in the T20 format on the sub continent as evidenced in various IPL stints. Maxwell has been out of form at international level of late and, with Watson returning to the top of the order, I am leaning toward the maligned veteran to top the run count for the green and gold. Or grey or black or whatever colour they wear this time around.
At $5, he is a lot shorter than Maxwell at $11 so if you want that higher reward and are prepared to take the higher risk then take a punt on the ‘Big Show’.
David Warner, batting down the order, is a little short for me at $3.75.
THE BOWLING BET
Super consistent and often underrated, I like John Hasting’s chances of being our leading wicket taker. He is a model of consistency, often tough to get away and that can produce mistakes which create wickets. At $6 I think he is a super price given the players ahead of him in the market are no stars, in James Faulkner, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Coulter-Nile. In fact, the bloke on the 5th line of betting could be the biggest threat in rookie spinner Adam Zampa at $6.50.
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!