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While cricket teams prime themselves for the World Cup beginning in the West Indies on March 13, bookies are busy crunching numbers to create a windfall for them from globe’s biggest cricket carnival.

The first bets for the CWC were placed on Tuesday. Bookies placed three-time champions Australia as favourites to win the event in spite of shellacking they just received from New Zealand.

The odds, in line with the International Cricket Council (ICC) world rankings, peg Australia’s chances of winning the final at 2-1. South Africa, with their colour-coded team selection and reputation as ‘chokers’ on big stage, were given a strong chance at 9-2. The recent performances registered by the West Indies, New Zealand and India resulted in shake-up among lesser teams.

“There has been a turnaround in New Zealand odds after their win against mighty Australians,” said a top bookmaker.

Sri Lanka, India and the West Indies are all equally placed at 7-1. In spite of their recent successes, England (8-1) and New Zealand (9-1) have just managed to edge ahead of Pakistan, last among illustrious teams at 10-1. There could be a change in odds, however, after first-round matches.
Source:The News