The more than two billion cricket fans are eager for yet another World Cup where they can cheer on their favorite teams. And already, the predictions have started rolling in, prompting bookies and punters to act fast and make integral decisions. Cricket fans who often engage in sports betting not only find the games even more interesting but also enjoy a sense of community. This year will not be any different as the number of punters and bookies covering cricket matches has increased. So, where should you place your wager? Let’s find out:
Cricket World Cup Predictions
Unlike some sports where the winners are often obvious, cricket often features many curveballs. So, players are never sure which team will bag the win. But which teams have the upper hand this year?
The predictions show South Africa, Pakistan, Australia, England, and India will make it to the semi-finals. But in most predictions, many people see England and India battling it out during the final. Let’s compare the teams:
1. India
Even people who do not know much about India know it is a strong team. But how strong is it compared to the others? This team boasts an amazing batting duo - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. And with this combination, they are set to pressure the other teams. The team also wins in pace, with Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami leading the way while Ashwin boosts the bowling. Let’s not forget that the team will have a home advantage, which may fuel its desire to win.
While India may seem like the best bet, it must address some weaknesses to win the cup. The first is its team composition, which often is unsettled and creates loopholes that its opponents can exploit. A good example is their middle order, which needs more clarity. The second significant area for improvement in the team is its reduced batting order after the seventh position, coupled with inconsistent ground fielding.
2. England
When bookies are not adjusting their odds to favor India, they do so for England. After all, this team is a big threat to India. Take their lineup, for example. Most of their players know a thing or two about winning a global tournament. But most importantly, they have an aggressive gameplay that will have the other teams working twice as hard to keep up or lose. Their addition of Harry Brook and Adil Rashid will further amplify this effect.
Like India, this team is not immune to weaknesses that leave them vulnerable to attacks from their opponents. Most of their fans have expressed concern over the lack of a buildup to the World Cup, which their counterparts experienced. Some fear that this may be the team's undoing.
Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand are also expected to make a dent in the rankings. But as the current predictions go, England and India have a headstart. Only time will tell if England’s aggression and India’s fantastic lineup will hold any water as the matches progress.
Should You Bank on Odds?
Odds are a great way to gauge the likelihood of a team winning. But before relying on them, you should note that they include the factors below:
a. Commissions: Bookies make money by charging a commission on wagers, which they factor in when setting odds. As such, odds are not purely based on probability as they factor these percentages.
b. Public opinion: While bookies use statisticians to set the odds, they also consider public perception. As a result, even when a team does not have the upper hand, it may still be the favorite because of public perception.
Knowing this, you should thus look at odds as a measure of profitability. Use them to determine how much money you can make but not as guides on who to wager on - instead, research the teams before placing any wagers.