Five weeks ago when the Cricket World Cup began, the Kiwis were an outside chance at 10 to 1.
But when New Zealand’s Black Caps went into the first World Cup semi final last week, the rain-affected game against Cup favourites India, sparked the biggest turnover of any sporting event this year, a TAB (British Gaming Industry) spokesperson said.
“For the first time, we’re starting to see a lot of money going on New Zealand to lift the cup.”, he said. As at today, local bookmakers have New Zealand as the underdogs, at odds of 23 to 10, with England the hot favorites at 5 rupees for every 23 wagered. Neither team has ever lifted this trophy, not even the inventors of the game of cricket– England, which sparks added interest on both continents.
More exotic bets on offer, are for “Who will win the toss”- (odds of 5 to 6) while bookmakers firmly expect a 50 to be scored - odds for that happening are just one rupee for every 66 bucks, and even a century in the first innings (by whoever bats first), is not unlikely - (odds of only 9 to 10).
Among the star players, Henry Nichols of the Kiwis is the bookies favourite to make “50 or more runs”, while England’s Johnny Bairstow and Jason Roy, are thought by the bookmakers to be most likely to do so for England. Jason Roy is also the most favoured player for the “Man of the Match” award. Let’s hope that England’s fickle weather will allow a full day’s play today, under clear skies.