Bookies bet on Pakistan to lift Cup
JAIPUR/JAISALMER: Pakistan's splendid performance in the quarter final match against West Indies and their earlier win against world champions Australia, have pushed them up the betting table and made them the favourites to lift the Cup this time.
In fresh odds released, Pakistan, which won the World Cup in 1992, has once again emerged as the frontrunner to win the Cup, while last time champs Australia have fallen in the bookies' preference list. India, which started as the favourites in the tournament are the bookies bet to beat Australia in the quarterfinals on Thursday. However, after a few dismal performances against South Africa and England, bookies are not too sure about the team lifting the Cup.
A Churu-based bookie said, "The way Pakistan is playing it has become the favourite as the betting rates on Pakistan winning the Cup has improved to Rs 3.50 from Rs 9 at the beginning of the tournament. They were considered the underdogs, but now anything can happen."
South Africa is the next favourite to win the tournament. "If Pakistan fails, it would be South Africa," the bookie added.
On the chances of India lifting the World Cup, a Jaisalmer-based bookie, said, "The current rate for India winning the cup is Rs 3.75. If India wins its quarter final match against Australia it has to play Pakistan in the semifinals. At that stage, prices will be revised."
Bookies bet on Pakistan to lift Cup - The Times of India