After 45 matches at the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, just three matches remain. Six teams have had their dreams of World Cup glory ended, with the top four fighting it out in the playoffs this week. This time next week, a champion will have been crowned.
India has set the stage perfectly to claim their first World Cup since 2011, navigating the group phase with an unbeaten record. However, the trickiest part of the tournament—where they stumbled four years ago—awaits. Can New Zealand once again execute their role of underdog to perfection? And what about South Africa and Australia, who are building nicely over recent weeks?
We break down all the latest odds from bookmaker bet365 and outline the best bets to make on the 2023 Cricket World Cup playoffs this week.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: November 13th, 7:00 A.M. (GMT)
Of the four teams remaining, India is the heavy favourite at the bookies. Bookmaker bet365 has the home team at 1.90, well ahead of second favourites Australia, who return 4.33. South Africa is almost level with the Aussies at 5.00, before New Zealand is the clear underdog at 8.00.
Odds for how the final will unfold predict that it will be India defeating Australia at 3.25, ahead of India beating South Africa at 4.00. New Zealand appearing in the final and winning returns the most lucrative odds, with the Black Caps prevailing over South Africa returning a huge 21.00.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: November 13th, 7:00 A.M. (GMT)
In a World Cup where there have been plenty of juicy upsets, India has been the one constant. They’ve won nine of nine group matches and were comfortable winners in each. Playing in home conditions, with an in-form squad and confidence, plus the crowd behind them, the most likely scenario this week is that India wins two more matches and lifts their third Cricket World Cup trophy. With a return of 1.90, this isn’t the most lucrative bet but still offers decent value.
For those interested in a higher return, there are several other options. First, wagering on the final result enables better odds without compromising on the likely scenario of India winning. Backing the home team to prevail over Australia is a sensible bet, while still returning a handy 3.25. Australia, after looking shaky in their opening matches, has begun to build well across the back end of the tournament and should see off South Africa. However, they’ve struggled against India in these conditions.
However, those after the best odds should look for a repeat of the 2019 World Cup to occur. Then, India and New Zealand squared off in the semi-finals with India a heavy favourite. However, the pressure of expectation got to the men in blue and the Kiwis prevailed, punching above their weight as they do so well. This time, there’s even more expectation and this outfit isn’t immune to choking. A New Zealand win would return 3.40, while the Black Caps making the final then losing to Australia (exactly how 2019 unfolded), would generate an excellent 12.00.
