I am aware this is a Business Blog, but like millions of other Indians – I am also a big cricket fan and it would not be prudent, if I don’t write a single article on it.
In this on-going Cricket world cup, I do make it a point to read every article, match analysis and opinions made by cricket pundits…And yes, I do have my own theories as well…and that’s why this article!
Before the start of the World Cup, Indians were hot favorites to lift the cup – squarely due to the weight Indian batting line-up carries. India has ordinary bowling line-up and even more ordinary fielding. It is a common knowledge that, if you want to lift the world cup, you need to be best in all 3 departments. But even then Indians were tagged as favourites.
Now, after all the league matches are over and we are at the knock-out stage, the aura of invincibility around Indian batting line-up is diminished – Thanks to batting collapses. We could not even beat the minnows comprehensively. Apart from Tendulkar, Yuvraj & Zaheer Khan no one seems to be in real good form.
For me, South Africa has the best chances to lift the World Cup, Pakistan looks quite strong and so does Sri–Lanka. Australians had a blip against Pakistan, but still they are a very formidable side. This is what the general feeling is amongst the most people following this world cup.
So, this time around there 4-5 teams which are Even-Stevens and chances are nearly equal for all of them to lift the World Cup.
But there is one community of people who get things right more often than not – because lot of money is riding on their backs and those are – THE BOOKIES !
So, if you want to really know who will win, look at the odds given by the bookies. They have better chances of getting things right than most of the others. To find out I went to some of the top betting sites on the internet to check out the odds, and to my surprise most of them feel India are still the favourites to win the World Cup.
Here are the Odds given by 3 different betting sites:
William Hill World Cup Winner Odds
According to William Hill website, India is favorite to win the World Cup with odds of 3/1 and South Africa are close 2nd at 10/3.
Ladbrokes ICC Cricket World Cup Winner Odds
Another major betting site in the world, Ladbrokes also puts India firm favourites with odds of 3/1 and places South Africa slightly lower than William Hill at 7/2.
Bet365.com ICC World Cup Winner Odds
Bet365.com, which is another popular cricket betting website puts India as second favorites just behind South Africa.
Here is my take – If India win against Australia, there are high chances we will witness India Pakistan clash, which according to me would be a dream final. For me, Clash against Australia is the key !
South Africa’s chances are high, but when it comes to crunch situations, they may choke (yeah, I know it is such a cliché to say that, but it is the fact! )
So, what is your take ? Will India make it to Finals and win it ? Atleast most bookies think so….