Dean Etheridge
The Men’s ICC T20 World Cup may be just under two months away, but with the schedule confirmed this week, we thought it’s worth looking at the cricket betting odds and the main favorites to lift the crown.
The competition was supposed to take place in India. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the competition is now to be held in UAE and Oman.
Starting on October 17th, a total of 16 nations are competing over 45 matches. The final is on November 14th.
- Competition – 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup
- Hosts – UAE and Oman
- Dates – October 17th to November 14th, 2021
- Total Matches – 45
- Participants – 16 Nations
Which team will lift the ICC Men's @T20WorldCup trophy this year? 👀 pic.twitter.com/mHPxCZcOyR
— ICC (@ICC) August 17, 2021
2021 Men’s T20 World Cup Format
The competition is broken down into two stages.
It starts with eight nations playing off in two preliminary groups for four spots. The two groups are played in a round-robin format.
The two preliminary groups are:-
Group A
- Ireland
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- Sri Lanka
Group B
- Bangladesh
- Oman
- Papua New Guinea
- Scotland
The top two from each group go on to play against the big boys. This is the second stage of the competition and this stage starts on October 23rd.
The two groups for this stage are:-
Group 1
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- West Indies
- A1
- B2
Group 2
- Afghanistan
- India
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- B1
- A2
Again, this stage takes place in a round-robin format.
The top two teams from each group play in the semi-finals, with the winners contesting the final in Dubai on November 14th, 2021.
T20 World Cup Betting
| 2021 T20 World Cup Winner Betting Odds |  |  |
| India | +250 | +250 |
| England | +333.3 | +300 |
| Australia | +600 | +450 |
| West Indies | +600 | +600 |
| New Zealand | +800 | +600 |
| Pakistan | +900 | +1000 |
| South Africa | +1200 | +1400 |
| Sri Lanka | +4000 | +5000 |
| Bangladesh | +5000 | +6600 |
| Afghanistan | +5000 | +6600 |
As things stand, India is the favorites with top sportsbooks to win the crown.
The one-time winner is +250 to lift their second crown.
Eoin Morgan’s England side is not far behind in the betting. The 2010 winners are +333.3 to win their second T20 world title.
The other major contenders are Australia and West Indies, who are both +600 to win the title.
With a few weeks still to go until the competition, a lot can change. Virat Kohli could pick up an injury, and there is always the threat of Covid hanging over the competition.
Any of these issues can see changes to the money lines, so place your picks with caution.
I always recommend using a betting bonus on any long-term market, so your hard-earned bucks aren’t tied up for weeks on end!
Now, let’s have a look at the four favorites to win the title in more detail.
India
Virat Kohli’s team is arguably the strongest all format team in world cricket. Well, in my opinion, they are!
The case for India being favorites is strong enough. Playing in Dubai and Oman isn’t the same as playing in India, but the conditions should favor Kohli’s team.
At this moment, they report a clean bill of health for all of their main stars.
Odds to win +250
England
Eoin Morgan’s England side boasts one of the most destructive batting lineups in the world.
Players of the quality of Alex Hales, James Vince, and Joe Root can’t get in the squad, never mind the team.
They will compete without the services of star paceman Jofra Archer. The fast bowler is recovering from a long-term elbow injury.
Ben Stokes could be a doubt also. He is currently taking a break from cricket. Although he hasn’t yet ruled himself out of the world cup, his participation can’t be taken for granted.
The loss of Stokes would be a massive blow to England and their chances.
Odds to win +333.3
Australia
Stories citing dressing room unrest have emerged about Australia over the last few days.
The Aussies lost 4-1 away to West Indies and by the same margin away to Bangladesh.
Admittedly, Australia didn’t have their best squad on either tour. But the manner of the defeats is alarming.
Australia have named their squad as they chase their first Men's T20 World Cup trophy 🏆
More: https://t.co/OcVYQdSiH5 pic.twitter.com/Zzcl7apKMB
— ICC (@ICC) August 19, 2021
As well as the stories criticizing coach Justin Langer, the news about captain Aaron Finch needing a knee operation this close to the competition hasn’t helped.
There is no sign that Finch won’t be ready for the start of the tournament, but it’s hardly ideal preparation!
Odds To Win +600
West Indies
I’m not sure why West Indies’ odds are this long.
They have some of the best short-format players on the planet, are the defending champions, and have won this competition twice.
A majority of their players play in the top T20 tournaments around the world and are able to handle big-match pressure.
They are captained by big-hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard who has 88 T20 caps to his name.
West Indies are one of those teams capable of beating anybody on their day. They just suit this format and are of great value at their current odds.
Odds To Win +600
In fact, their odds are that good, I’m taking West Indies to be my outside pick at +600. At these odds, they are well worth a punt with one of the betting bonuses I mentioned earlier.
T20 World Cup Betting Picks
Although the competition has been moved out of India, it will still have a feel of home-field for them, and that gives them a slight advantage.
The Indians are also a group of players on an extraordinary high at the moment.
Their Test team has won in Australia recently and has England just where they want them in the current Test series.
Things can change, and this is a different format. But by and large, they are the same group of players that will compete for the T20 world crown in just under two months.
My main futures betting pick for the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup is India.
It just has to be. They are the top side in world cricket at the moment, and they are a tight-knit unit who know they are the best!
