2009 ICC WORLD TWENTY20 BETTING TIPS

The 2009 World Twenty20 is only a few short weeks away and, thanks to the IPL and so many competitive limited-overs fixtures this year, I think it's virtually anybody's tournament! India go in as the obvious favourites (and defending champions) carrying odds of 11/4 in the outright winner market at 888sports. South Africa are the next best-priced favourites with odds of 9/2. Australia are just behind at 5/1 (I feel thats underpriced) with Pakistan available at 13/2. They made it all the way to the final, losing to India by just five runs. I'm not too sure they'll be able to get quite as far this time around, but with a few good games they could build up some momentum. If Pakistan get to the Super 8's and start to pick up steam, I'd think about backing them, but right now I'm looking for value. Sri Lanka aren't a bad outside bet and 8/1 is a fairly decent price. For me, I like New Zealand and England at 9/1. I know plenty of people will criticize my selection and bray about how "England aren't competitive at twenty20", but the reality of the matter is that England's test team aren't competitive in twenty20- they've brought a different set of boys to the party this year for the most part. I'm expecting a performance and a half from Napier and Key and I think Collingwood is the right man for the job here. I'm glad they didn't try to shoehorn Andrew Strauss into some form of firgurehead role for this- preferring to let the captain concentrate on test cricket and ODI's. West Indies have a great set of players, but a price of 10/1 is too short for me. Bangladesh are a real outside bet at 33/1, but they'd need too much luck to win the thing. I wouldn't rule them out of the final, so an each-way bet may suit some punters. You can back a team to finish top 2 at 1/3 the odds. Ireland are listed at 500/1 while Scotland and the Dutch sit at 1000/1. I think India are the real favourites here, and an India-South Africa final wouldn't surprise me a bit. I don't think the Aussies are real contenders and I actually fancy England and New Zealand to make a statement. Bangladesh are your long-shots here, but I would back India and the Saffers to contest the final with each-ways on England and New Zealand.