Ladbrokes: Bookies hail best day of World Cup so far as South Africa fall to England

Story by Sarah Preece on 2011-03-06 18:26:29

Bookies hail best day of World Cup so far

SOUTH AFRICA's surprise defeat to England in the World Cup helped Ladbrokes enjoy their most lucrative day of the cricket World Cup so far. With India stuttering to victory over a spirited Irish side, the in-play markets went the way of the bookies. England's 6-run defeat of South Africa was desperate news for the majority of punters who had deserted Andrew Strauss's men before play and during the match.

David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "England are fast becoming a notorious banana-skin team for punters. Abysmal against Ireland then inspired to beat the South Africans, we're having a lot of fun with them." Ireland are out to 7/1 to qualify for the latter stages of the tournament after going down to the 11/4 tournament favourites India. England are into 7/1 to lift the trophy next month.

Ladbrokes

Cricket World Cup:

• 11/4 India
• 4/1 South Africa
• 9/2 Australia
• 5/1 Sri Lanka
• 7/1 Pakistan
• 7/1 England
• 16/1 West Indies
• 20/1 New Zealand
• 100/1 Bangladesh
• 250/1 Zimbabwe
• 250/1 Ireland

To Qualify

Ireland

• 7/1 yes
• 1/16 no

England

• 1/33 yes
• 9/1 no