Liam Flin provides his best bets for the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, which gets underway as England take on New Zealand.
England to win the ICC World Cup @ 3/1
At 2/1, tournament hosts India are favourites to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup and it is easy to see why.
Set to play in familiar conditions, India have some of the best spin bowlers in the world at their disposal as well as an imperious and experienced top three of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gil and Virat Kohli.
But similar things were said about India four years ago and they failed to reach the final, while the enormous weight of expectation on them from home fans could be more of a hindrance than an advantage.
Instead, it is worth looking one place further down in the betting and defending champions England offer value to lift the trophy at 3/1.
England have been busy giving their Test approach a makeover under Brendon McCullum but they have already shown they can take the initiative in the shorter formats.
They are holders of both the T20 and ODI World Cup titles and have powerhouse batsmen at their disposal in Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes.
In Dawid Malan, they have found a worthy replacement for Jason Roy at the top of the order while Adil Rashid spearheads a fine selection of spin bowlers, who will be looking to make the most of conditions in the subcontinent.
New Zealand to reach the semi-finals @ 7/4
There are arguments to be made for and against the rest of the contenders.
Australia are always a danger but injuries have held them back recently and losing their most recent ODI series 2-1 to India will not do their confidence any favours.
South Africa are yet to win an ODI or T20 World Cup and Pakistan are another team who blow hot and cold and they will not be welcomed warmly in India.
With that in mind, New Zealand could provide decent value at 7/4 to reach the tournament’s semi-finals.
The Black Caps only lost the ODI World Cup final by virtue of the boundary count-back rule after a tied Super Over against hosts England in 2019 and they will be eager to make amends this time around.
The big plus for them will be the return from injury of captain Kane Williamson – he could be key in the latter stages – and their preparations have gone well after a series win over Bangladesh and warm-up victory against Pakistan.
Najmul Hossain Shanto to be top Bangladesh runscorer @ 5/2
When it comes to Bangladesh, all the talk is often around ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and for good reason, too.
But at the 2023 World Cup in India, a new Bangladesh star could rise to the occasion.
It has been a promising year for Najmul Hossain Shanto and the 25-year-old has been shaping up nicely in the months leading up to the tournament.
Against Ireland in May, Shanto struck 117 – his first century in the format – and more recently he has starred closer to home, striking 89 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, 104 against Afghanistan in Lahore and 76 against New Zealand in Mirpur.
There should not be too much expectation or pressure on Shanto heading into this tournament and for that reason, he is a worthwhile bet to top score for the Tigers at 5/2.
Best Bets
England to win the ICC World Cup @ 3/1
New Zealand to reach the semi-finals @ 7/4
Najmul Hossain Shanto to be top Bangladesh runscorer @ 5/2
