ICC World Twenty20

The ICC World Twenty20 begins this Friday. The Twenty20 is the reason why we now have the IPL, the smoking gun of international cricket and a chance to see the skills of the best players in the world (in fast forward). Hopefully it will be superb entertainment but first and foremost we want to make money so let’s examine the groups and pick the winners.

GROUP A: BANGLADESH, INDIA, IRELAND

GROUP B: PAKISTAN, ENGLAND, HOLLAND

GROUP C: AUSTRALIA, SRI LANKA, WEST INDIES

GROUP D: NEW ZEALAND, SCOTLAND, SCOTLAND

My favourites on first glance are obvious. Australia, India and South Africa are the best sides but in such hectic cricket anything can happen and that makes Pakistan, West Indies and England dangerous. Sri Lanka I fear for a bit as they may still be shocked by the terrorist attack when they were shot at in Mumbai.

Now this is a hostage to fortune but I fancy both India and South Africa. Small stakes but my first bet is on this pair;

India @ 3/1

South Africa @ 4/1

I also want to back Australia to win Group C at 6/4/. It is the toughest group but they know how important momentum is before the Ashes and their hungry young team will be desperate for a good start to the summer.

Now are there other bets we can have on players? Yes and closer to Friday I shall select a couple of batters’ runs to buy for the whole tournament which means they will need to be likely finalists!

Watch out for more later in the week.