Last Updated on 3 days by Charbel Coorey
The highly anticipated 2022 T20 World Cup is fast approaching. With that comes great speculation, discussion and debate on which teams will challenge for the title, and of course, who will emerge victorious.
Australia will host a number of terrific teams in this tournament, many of whom are a genuine chance of reclaiming the title from Aaron Finch’s team. New Zealand are always thereabouts, India have too many good players to count out, England are packed with power, and the likes of Pakistan and South Africa are dark horses.
Who is the favourite for the T20 World Cup?
Below are the betting odds, according to sportsbet.com.au. In what comes as no surprise, there are a few leading contenders according to the bookmakers, each considered to be a decent chance of lifting the trophy on November 13 at the MCG.
Australia $3.50
The host nation is favourite to successfully defend their title. Australia, at home, with the addition of Tim David and possible inclusion of Cameron Green, look strong. Also, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Starc are all set to return after missing the recent India series.
On paper, Australia look to have all bases covered. However, areas of concern look to be the T20I form of Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell, as well as how Steve Smith fits into the team. But, the squad depth is looking healthy.
India $4.33
India are listed as second favourite for the title. The men in blue are seeking their first ICC trophy since their triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy, and eyes will be fixed on whether Rohit Sharma’s team can hold their nerve in the big moments.
However, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah could prove to be a massive blow. Also, how India overcome the mental baggage of falling short in recent global tournaments will be interesting to see. But, they have too much talent to be written off.
England $5.00
England have had a challenging year in T20Is. However, the talent and power they have on paper makes them too good to ignore. That consensus is also held by the bookmakers, with Jos Buttler’s team listed at third favourite for the title.
South Africa $8.00
Can the Proteas overcome their ICC tournament curse? Heading into the tournament as one of the world’s most exciting T20 teams, South Africa have an opportunity to put years of hurt behind them with glory on November 13. They have a side filled with batting power, and their bowling attack possesses the pace and variety to do well in Australia.
However, Temba Bavuma’s batting and leadership will come under the spotlight, as well as whether South Africa can perform under pressure. It must be remembered, though, that they had an excellent 2021 campaign, narrowly missing out on the Semi Finals in heartbreaking fashion despite winning four of their five matches.
New Zealand & Pakistan $9.00
The Black Caps are always in the conversation at the business end of global tournaments. In fact, New Zealand played in the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup Finals, as well as the 2021 T20 World Cup Final. However, they failed to win any of those three matches, and whether they can produce their best cricket in Australia remains to be seen.
Pakistan are also at $9.00. The men in green are always a team to watch given the talent they have in their ranks. However, the reliance on key players such as openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam is a concern.
What are the other teams priced at?
West Indies, who have a vastly different team to that of 2021, are priced at $15.00. Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka have come in from $21.00 to $18.00, as they have the potential to surprise teams.
Afghanistan, who boast of a number of players with T20 experience, are out at $51.00. Bangladesh are further out at $101.00, followed by Zimbabwe, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Scotland and UAE all priced at $501.00.
After jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out For T20 World Cup Australia in top India Also, England Good Team