2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips

The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup kicks off this weekend with Australia and New Zealand serving as co-hosts. The tournament starts on the 14th of February and concludes on the 29th of March. View the full match schedule.

With both host countries showing strong form leading up to the tournament, bookmakers have installed Australia (3.00) and New Zealand (6.50) as one of just three teams with sub 10.00 odds of winning. Perennial contenders South Africa loom as the biggest overseas threat, with odds of 4.00.

Given that Australia and New Zealand are the 1st and 3rd favourites with bookmakers, it’s worth looking closely at the schedule. Australia will host 26 matches to New Zealand’s 23. In Australia’s favour is they have been allocated the final, which will be held in Melbourne, with Sydney and Auckland hosting the semi-finals. In New Zealand’s favour is the fact that they will host the pool stage clash between themselves and Australia. If Australia qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Sydney. If New Zealand qualifies, their semi-final will be played in Auckland. In the event of an Australia v New Zealand semi-final, the team that finished higher in the pool phase will be host the match.

 

2015 World Cup Format

The tournament participants have been separated into two pools of seven teams:

POOL A: England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland

POOL B: South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, UAE

The seven teams in each pool play each other once, with the top four teams from each group progressing to the quarter-finals. The teams from each pool will be paired as follows:
A1 v B4
A2 v B3
———–
A3 v B2
A4 v B1

The exact scheduling of each fixture will be determined by whether Australia and/or New Zealand qualify for the elimination stage.

 

Participants

Below is a survey of teach team, with published predictions of their chances. The team lists have been sourced from The Mirror.

 

Afghanistan

Squad: Afsar Zazai (wk), Aftab Alam, Asghar Stanekzai, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Javed Ahmadi, Merwais Ashraf, Mohammad Nabi (capt), Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Nawroz Mangal, Samiullah Shinwari, Shapoor Zadran, Usman Ghani.

Current ODI Ranking: 11

Best World Cup Result: Debut

Best Odds: 2001.00 with Sportsbet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Group Stage

The Guardian’s Prediction: Group Stage

 

Australia

Squad: George Bailey, Michael Clarke (capt), Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Current ODI Ranking: 1

Best World Cup Result: Winners, ’87, ’99, ’03, ’07

Best Odds: 3.00 with Sportsbet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Finalists

The Guardian’s Prediction: Finalists

The Roar’s Prediction: Semi-finalists

Pinnacle Sports’ Comments: the rightful tournament favourite due to their strong bowling attack, excellent batting pedigree and home advantage. The fitness of James Faulkner is a concern, however, due to his ability to bowl at the death.

 

Bangladesh

Squad: Al-Amin Hossain, Anamul Haque, Arafat Sunny, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Taijul Islam, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed.

Current ODI Ranking: 9

Best World Cup Result: Super 8 – ’07

Best Odds: 215.00 with Centrebet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Group Stage

The Guardian’s Prediction: Group Stage

Scott Styris’ Prediction: Group Stage

 

England

Squad: Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Eoin Morgan (capt), Joe Root, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes.

Current ODI Ranking: 5

Best World Cup Result: Finalists – ’79, ’87, ’92

Best Odds: 12.00 with Centrebet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Semi-finalists

The Guardian’s Prediction: Semi-finalists

The Roar’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

Pinnacle Sports’ Comments: performed well in parts during the Carlton Mid Series but were easily outplayed by Australia. Lack depth in batting due to losses of Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen. Bowling attack gets exposed by the elite teams.

 

India

Squad : Ravichandran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Akshar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav.

Current ODI Ranking: 2

Best World Cup Result: Winners – ’83, 2011

Best Odds: 10.00 with Sportsbet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

The Guardian’s Prediction: Semi-finalists

The Roar’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

Pinnacle Sports’ Comments: have a poor away win percentage. Have struggled in Oceania. Have failed to win a game since arriving in Australia a few months ago and have been hurt by the losses of Rohit and Ishant Sharma. Their pace attack is useless. The bookmaker odds over value them. “India’s only chance is to bat teams out of the game, as their bowling attack is simply not suited to Oceanic wickets.”

 

Ireland

Squad: Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, John Mooney, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien (wk), William Porterfield (capt), Max Sorensen, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson (wk), Craig Young.

Current ODI Ranking: 12

Best World Cup Result: Super 8 – ’07

Best Odds: 1001.00 with Sportsbet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Group Stage

The Guardian’s Prediction: Group Stage

Scott Styris’ Prediction: Group Stage

 

New Zealand

Squad : Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi (wkt), Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson.

Current ODI Ranking: 6

Best World Cup Result: Semi-finalists – ’75, ’79, ’92, ’99, ’07, 2011

Best Odds: 6.25 with Luxbet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Winners

The Guardian’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

The Roar’s Prediction: Finalists

Pinnacle Sports’ Comments: in good form having won three of their last four ODI series. “The Black Caps are an outstanding unit in all disciplines, have a real team ethic, and a healthy mix of youth and experience.” Could win the title if they play to their potential.

 

Pakistan

Squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Rahat Ali, Ehsan Adil, Haris Sohail, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Shahid Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohail Khan, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Younus Khan.

Current ODI Ranking: 7

Best World Cup Result: Winners ’92

Best Odds: 21.00 with Centrebet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

The Guardian’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

Scott Styris’ Prediction: Quarter-finalists

The Roar’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

Pinnacle Sports’ Comments: will have to rely heavily on Misbah-ul Haq and Younis Khan to score their runs. In the same pool as India, a team they have never beaten in ODI World Cup cricket.

 

Scotland

Squad: Richie Berrington, Kyle Coetzer, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross (wk), Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Preston Mommsen (capt), Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.

Current ODI Ranking: N/A

Best World Cup Result: Group Stage – ’99, ’07

Best Odds: 5001.00 with Sportsbet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Group Stage

The Guardian’s Prediction: Group Stage

 

South Africa

Squad: Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), AB de Villiers (capt & wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir

Current ODI Ranking: 3

Best World Cup Result: Semis – ’92, ’99, ’07

Best Odds: 4.00 with bet365

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Semi-finalists

The Guardian’s Prediction: Winners

The Roar’s Prediction: Winners

Pinnacle Sports’ Comments: formidable batting line up with Faf du Plessis, AB De Villiers, Hashim Amla and David Miller in good form. They also have an impressive bowling attack. Have been known for choking on the big stage.

 

Sri Lanka

Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Dimuth Karunaratne, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews (capt), Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Dhammika Prasad, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Sachithra Senanayake, Lahiru Thirimanne.

Current ODI Ranking: 4

Best World Cup Result: Winners – 1996

Best Odds: 13.00 with Centrebet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

The Guardian’s Prediction: Semi-finalists

The Roar’s Prediction: Semi-finalists

Pinnacle Sports’ Comments: Lasith Malinga is short of his best form. Over-reliant on Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene to score runs.

 

United Arab Emirates

Squad: Kamran Shahzad, Khurram Khan, Krishna Karate, Manjula Guruge, Mohammed Tauqir (capt), Muhammad Naveed, Nasir Aziz, Roshan Mustafa, Saqlain Haider, Shaiman Anwar, Swapnil Patil.

Current ODI Ranking: N/A

Best World Cup Result: Group Stage – ’96

Best Odds: 5001.00 with Centrebet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Group Stage

The Guardian’s Prediction: Group Stage

 

West Indies

Squad: Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder (capt), Nikita Miller, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor.

Current ODI Ranking: 8

Best World Cup Result: Winners – ’75, ’79

Best Odds: 29.00 with Sportsbet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Quarter-finalists

The Guardian’s Prediction: Group Stage

Scott Styris’ Prediction: Quarter-finalists

The Roar’s Prediction: anything from being eliminated in the group stage to reaching the semi-finals

 

Zimbabwe

Squad: Regis Chakabva (wk), Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura (capt), Craig Ervine, T Kamungozi, H Masakadza, S Mire, S Matsikenyeri, Tawanda Mupariwa, Sikandar Raza, T Panyangara, B Taylor (wk), Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams.

Current ODI Ranking: 10

Best World Cup Result: Super Six – ’99, ’03

Best Odds: 751.00 with Centrebet

Sir Ian Botham’s Prediction: Group Stage

The Guardian’s Prediction: Group Stage

Scott Styris’ Prediction: Group Stage

 

Resources

View and compare Cricket World Cup futures odds.

View and compare Cricket World Cup match odds.

A great cricket website is ESPN Cricinfo. The live match commentary is excellent and they provide a multitude of stats during each game.

If you’re looking for a bit of banter during the games, the BBC Cricket website offers match commentary along with tweets and comments from pundits and fans.

 

Betting Tips

Based on form, I would agree with the bookmakers in that Australia (3.00), South Africa (4.00) and New Zealand (6.50) look the most likely to win the trophy. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has actually stated those three teams are the only possible winners of the tournament. The two things these sides have in common is they don’t have to rely on a small number of batsmen to score their runs and they all have quality bowling attacks.

I would have to say Australia look the most likely to win, but New Zealand do represent good value given their strong form on home soil. I thought that New Zealand might be the dark horse for the tournament, however most people have been quick to point out their chances, so they’re not under the radar this year.

I wouldn’t begrudge you for backing South Africa to win the tournament either. They’ve been in strong form of late and they boast some of the best batsman in the world to go with their vaunted bowling attack. The only element not in their favour is the fact that they aren’t hosting.

Given the relative forms of each team and the fact that it contains neither tournament host, on paper Pool B looks to be weaker than Pool A, so I like the 2.00 odds with Luxbet for South Africa to win Pool B. Other bookmakers have South Africa as short as 1.70 to win their pool, so the 2.00 odds might not last. I was able to get in early and got 2.40 odds back in late January.

As for a team to bet against, it would have to be India given how poor they have been in Australia this tour. Pinnacle Sports are offering 1.084 odds on India not to win. Using a betting exchange, at the time of writing you can lay India at 13.00 with Betfair and Matchbook. The lay odds with WBX are currently 14.00. You might not want to lay them immediately, however, because they have been drawn into Pool B, which is arguably the weaker group. India stand a reasonable chance of coming second in that group, at which time I would lay them.