T20 World Cup 2022 preview, futures odds & best bets

The ICC T20 World Cup comes to Australia for the first time in its short history but brings a wealth of history with it. Incredible scenes have already taken place in this tournament, such as Carlos Brathwaite’s title-winning exploits for the West Indies in the last over of the 2016 final.

This year’s World Cup will be held at picturesque grounds like the Adelaide Oval, Sydney Cricket Ground and Bellerive Oval in Hobart as well as world-renowned venues like the new Perth Stadium, the Gabba in Brisbane, and arguably the greatest stadium in all of sport, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia are defending their title having won in 2021 in the UAE, where they chased down 172 runs to beat New Zealand with eight wickets in hand and seven balls to spare. Will Australia win the title, or will another nation spoil the host’s party?

Best bet: Australia

It is no surprise that Australia should be favourites for this World Cup, and for very good reason. They performed incredibly well in the UAE, where they had struggled in previous years, and now gain home field advantages.

The Aussies have named a strong squad that includes season campaigners such as Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell. They have also added one of the world’s hottest commodities, Tim David, to their squad. He will strengthen the middle order immensely while also providing an extra bowling option for captain Aaron Finch.

The balance of strike bowling with a stacked batting lineup gives Australia every opportunity to defend their World Cup title on home soil.

Next best: Pakistan

Pakistan are every chance of surprising a lot of nations and fans alike this coming World Cup. Led by Babar Azam, they are presently taking part in the Asia Cup, defeating India and then Afghanistan in the Super 4 stage to secure a spot in the final.

The hopes of Pakistan will rest on the shoulders of captain Azam as well as Shadab Khan and Mohammed Hasnain, and their chances will only improve if keeper-bat Mohammed Rizwan and star seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi are fit for the beginning of the tournament.

Pakistan’s balance of batting and bowling, and the sheer desire they appear to have to beat anyone in their road, could hold them in very good stead to give this World Cup a shake.

Outside chance: West Indies

The West Indies are the only nation to have won two T20 World Cups since the first competition was held in 2007. They have long been the leaders in the shorter formats of cricket, producing some of the game’s greatest white-ball talents over the past five decades.

The West Indies are currently second in the T20I world rankings and boast a star-studded squad that includes captain Nicholas Pooran, Kyle Mayers and Rovman Powell – all incredible hitters who can turn a game on any given day.

If the West Indies can circle the wagons and build a bond strong enough to push for a third World Cup title, they are capable of absolutely anything.

More sports betting picks