2016 T20 World Cup Preview & Betting Tips
Over the next three weeks, ten teams will battle out in the heat of India for the mantle of World T20 Champions. The grand tournament will open with the clash between hosts India and New Zealand at Nagpur on March 15.
Conditions and adaptability will be key factors for any team in this part of the world. Defending champions Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies, England and Afghanistan make Group I while India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh comprise Group II.
With an array of explosive batting talent and quality spinners at his disposal, MS Dhoni led India start as one of the top favourites for the tournament. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be crucial for them with the bat while Ravi Ashwin will be closely watched by everyone with the ball. Odds are heavily stacked in favor of India becoming champions at $3.10 at Sportsbet. They find themselves in a tricky group but India look good to reach the semi-finals.
Australia commissioned a change at the helm hoping that Steve Smith will lead them to glory in the only title that has evaded them. David Warner and Glenn Maxwell will be critical to their plans but their spin department – both bowling and playing – looks a little short to mount a successful campaign. They could find themselves in the final four if they play smart cricket with odds of $5.50 at William Hill offered on them ending as champions.
England will hope that their young side can hold itself together having displayed attractive cricket over the past year. Inexperience in Indian conditions could count against them, though. That shouldn’t be a hindrance for dark horses West Indies who have a plethora of T20 specialists with loads of IPL experience. At odds of $13 at William Hill, they are an attractive option for ending up winners.
The unpredictability of Pakistan is a boon for them in this format although their recent form is nothing to write home about. Watch out for the exciting Mohammed Aamir who is quickly winning hearts with his displays after coming back from a match-fixing ban. Sri Lanka would have exceeded their own expectations if they end up qualifying for semi-finals; a sad reflection of their fall from grace in this format. New Zealand will miss the pyrotechnics of the retired Brendon McCullum but never discount the collective skills of the Kiwis.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan have joined the eight top nations from the qualification campaign. Though there are not many hopes on them going all the way, both the sides are equally capable of creating an upset or two.
In short, this World Cup is going to be very tight with any team capable of trumping any other team on their day. Isn’t that what cricket lovers want?
