Cricket odds – Reigning champs India favored again

Online betting handicappers should get excited for cricket odds as the popular ICC Top 20 is set for its second episode. India, who won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 two years ago, is once again the sports betting favorite as they prepare to defend their crown. While the first tournament was in South Africa, the 2009 version will be in England. With 12 teams in the tournament, below is a preview of each team and their chances on the cricket odds for the World Twenty20:

Cricket Odds: India +290 to win 2009 Twenty20 World Cup

• India facing a lot of pressure to repeat
• Sri Lanka’s power bats could propel them to a win
• South Africa is a dangerous opponent

Cricket Odds: Australia +500

Australia was a disappointment in 2007, as a team loaded with Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Andrew Symonds and Ricky Ponting couldn’t get the job done. But they did leave an impression, just not a good one: Australia is best remembered for their shocking upset loss to Zimbabwe in 2007. They still boast a solid roster, but this year, they fly under the radar. They are pooled in the group of death with West Indies and Sri Lanka, so don’t get too excited for the Aussies.

Cricket Odds: Bangladesh +5000

Bangladesh made its mark in 2007 as well with an upset win over the West Indies, but they never really threatened to win the tournament. The setting and timeline may have changed now, but for Bangladesh, the story is the same. They are good enough to pull an upset but aren’t nearly good enough to win it all.

Cricket Odds: England +9000

Surprise surprise, England underachieved in another international event. In the 2007 Twenty20, England pounded Zimbabwe, which earned them a spot in the Super 8 but didn’t take them any further. There will be some added pressure now of playing at home but they will need to overachieve to win. They will likely finish with more than the single victory they had in 2007. Kevin Pieterson and Andrew Flintoff will be the keys to their success.

Cricket Odds: India +290

India outlasted Pakistan in a classic final in 2007 and they are back for more in 2009. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni talked up his team in the media, suggesting they have the flexibility and experience needed to win back-to-back. There will be a lot of pressure on India, though, as anything short of another win will be disappointing. With billions of followers, look for that pressure to keep them from another win. It’s a tough, contentious tournament and India will have a big bulls-eye on their back.

Cricket Odds: New Zealand +1000

New Zealand could be a sexy sleeper in the Twenty20. With Taylor developing all the time, Brendon McCullum, and Vettori with the ball, New Zealand could be a power player in this tournament but they seem to choke at times. They could be a surprise, but then again, they could underachieve once more.

Cricket Odds: Pakistan +1000

Pakistan is still stinging from their loss in the finals to India in 2007. They came so close to winning their first global event since 1992, but that may only add to their pressure and expectations in 2009. As they head to England, Pakistan's jinx of never having beaten India in a World Cup or world championship match continues.

Cricket Odds: Sri Lanka +800

Sri Lanka started the 2007 Twenty20 at a torrid pace, destroying Kenya by a record margin of 172 runs. But as they advanced to the Super 8, they were eventually ousted due to a loss to Australia. Sri Lanka has a powerful batting lineups and their loss in the 2007 should provide them with the experience and savvy to step up in this tournament. They are quietly flying under the radar, so don’t be surprised if they win it all.

Cricket Odds: South Africa +450

South Africa was a disappointment in 2007 when they failed to make the semi-finals, but they remain a strong outfit nonetheless. They are team to be reckoned with because they had the best-performing players in the tournament in Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp. Again they field a talented team with skipper Graeme Smith and Dale Steyn. Look for a much better run this time around as they will be fueled by their shortcoming in 2007.

Cricket Odds: West Indies +1100

West Indies had a decent showing in 2007 but they clearly weren’t ready to be a serious contender. That might change this time around as they have gained a tournament – and a couple years’ worth – of experience. Chris Gayle still stars on their team, and he should help them get out of the group stage. Going beyond that, though, isn’t expected by sportsbook odds makers.

Cricket Odds: Ireland, Scotland, Holland +50000

The sportsbook odds makers are trying to tell you something with these three teams: avoid them. These three teams will be fodder for the big boys and a single victory would be viewed as successful by any of them.

Pick: Sri Lanka +800

The Twenty20 will be starting shortly so make sure you check out the cricket betting odds in the sportsbook!

Ashwin grew up as a medium-paced spinner who had visions of joining the biggest cricket league in India before Tommy John surgery derailed his career at age 23. Ash was brought into the team by Braden Bayley, and he adds still follows the global cricket scene with a thirsty enthusiasm. When it comes to cricket handicapping, Ashwin is the best wicket-taker there is. Email Comments@BetOnline.com