Cricket World Cup: India vs Australia Odds and Betting Preview

Story by Michael Peet on 2011-03-23 09:46:22

AHMEDABAD, INDIA - Australia take on India as the two top-ranked ODI sides meet in the World Cup quarter-finals in Ahmedabad. The co-hosts are favourites for victory in what should be a keenly contested tie at 8/11 with Stan James while Ladbrokes are offering a potentially tempting best price of 5/4 on a win for Australia. The Aussies ended up third in the table after defeat to Pakistan last weekend, leaving them with a tough draw against Group B runners-up India. MS Dhoni's men have attracted criticism for their displays so far this tournament, but will no doubt be buoyed by a raucous home-crowd and the prospect of knocking out the tournament holders.

Opener Shane Watson is once again favourites to top-score for the Baggy Greens at 7/2 with totesport but he has been outshone so far by the in-form Brad Haddin, who is 4/1 with most firms in the same market. Michael Clarke has only been out twice in five innings so far this tournament, so may appeal to punters at 9/2 on Betfair.

The evergreen Sachin Tendulkar is top chance to score the most runs for his side at 10/3 with Blue Square, but Virender Sehwag, top-scorer for his side in the tournament, looks better value at 4/1 with totesport. MS Dhoni's captaincy has taken some criticism of late, and the keeper has yet to sparkle for his side with the bat. He could however be a dark horse in this market at 9/1 with Ladbrokes.

Brett Lee's four wickets in Australia's last game against Pakistan leaves the paceman favourite to be the pick of the Aussie bowling attack at 3/1 with Ladbrokes, with Mitchell Johnson's chances rated 10/3. India have struggled to find rhythm in their bowling of late, and have relied heavily on Zaheer Kahn over their last few games. The prices reflect this, with Blue Square best at 11/4 on Kahn ending up top bowler. Harbajan Singh is 3/1 in the same market, but with just two wickets in the tournament he looks poor value.

Despite the better form of Australia's opening batsman compared to their Indian counterparts, the bookies are favouring the co-hosts' first pair in the Highest Opening Partnership market at 8/11 with Paddy Power; punters may be more attracted to Australia at 11/10 with Boylesports. The Aussies are also outsiders to hit more sixes than their opponents at 7/4 with Stan James.

The match starts at 0900 GMT.

India vs Australia Match Result Betting
India vs Australia Australia Top Batsman Betting
India vs Australia India Top Batsman Betting
India vs Australia Australia Top Bowler Betting
India vs Australia India Top Bowler Betting
India vs Australia Highest Opening Partnership Betting
India vs Australia Most Sixes Betting