Cricket World Cup Winners and What They'll Pay

February’s finished with the Cricket World Cup now set to make its mark in March. The first few weeks of provided some amazing individual efforts highlighted by Chris Gayle’s damaging double century against Zimbabwe while the West Indies were also involved in the tournament’s biggest upset so far, after Ireland overcame the Caribbean cricketers. Favourites Australia have been beaten by co-hosts New Zealand while current Cup holders India are breezing through their Pool. But who’ll be happiest at the end of the competition? Which nation’s name will be inscribed on the trophy?

India Inching towards Consecutive Cups

If the Indians were bluffing before the World Cup began they could all get a role in the next big Bollywood film. The defending champions pre tournament form suggested they’d struggle against the stronger sides but India are unbeaten after three games and easily dispatched Cup contenders South Africa as well as a comfortably beating Pakistan. It appears India’s brilliant batsman finally have their eye in in Australia while the bowlers have taken 30 wickets for just over 500 runs. Despite their superb start the Indians are still fourth favourite to join Australia as the only team to retain the World Cup, while if you fancy them to win it without losing a match you can get odds of over $8.

Black Caps Can Win World Cup

New Zealand are the only other nation yet to be beaten, after the Black Caps edged Australia in a low scoring thriller. Having defeated Sri Lanka, England and the favourites already the Kiwis have dropped dramatically in the outright betting and are now just $4 to win the World Cup for the first time. The Co-hosts are paying slightly more to do it undefeated and you’d think if they triumph that’s how it will be, as New Zealand have two very winnable group games remaining against Bangladesh s and Afghanistan.

Favourite and Outsider

Despite just three points from three games Australia are still under $3 to claim the Cup for the fifth time. The Aussies won’t top Pool A and if they lose to Sri-Lanka they could finish as low as third or even fourth. The Sri-Lankans started slowly but three straight victories has them sitting second in the group. Kumar Sangakkara’s hit back to back unbeaten centuries and if his purple patch continues Sri Lanka are every chance of beating anyone. They’re around a juicy $14 to take out the title. That price will surely decrease if they beat the hosts.

Can the Proteas Progress to the Final

South Africa look solid despite a defeat to India. The Proteas have racked up the highest score to so far after thumping 408 against West Indies. Though South Africa often wait till the latter stages of the World Cup to implode; with the Proteas yet to reach a final. If you think they’ll finish in the top two this time you can back them at around $5 to make their first final and lose. They’re about $4.50 to secure the silverware they should have won by now.