The month of October is fast approaching, accompanied by growing excitement for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, as host nation Australia prepares to welcome the 16 participating teams.
Heading into the eighth edition of this prestigious competition, Australia will be keen to retain their crown as the reigning T20 world champions, having won the delayed 2021 tournament in Dubai that had originally been scheduled for 2020.
During a 2021 tournament filled with surprises, India failed to make it through to the knockout stage, finishing third in Group 2 behind Pakistan and New Zealand. 2016 champions West Indies finished fifth amongst the six teams in Group 1, as England and Australia progressed.
In the semi-finals of the knockout stage, New Zealand progressed thanks to an excellent win against England, while Australia eliminated Pakistan. Clinching their first ever T20 title, Australia won the final with a score of 173/2 (18.5 overs), beating the 172/4 (20 overs) of New Zealand.
Who the bookies fancy in 2022
Regardless of the difficulties which inevitably surrounded the 2021 tournament, all the competing teams are expected to be at full strength for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. As the host nation, Australia were clearly always going to be amongst the favourites, although there is another team slightly ahead in the latest betting stakes.
That side is India, who currently top the official ICC T20 international cricket rankings and by quite a comfortable margin, according to the end of August 2022 calculations. They top the standings on 12,186 points and a rating of 271, while the nearest rivals are England with 8,907 points and their 262 rating.
Pakistan are currently third in the rankings on 8,046 points and 260 rating, with South Africa fourth on 8,046 points and 258 rating. Then comes New Zealand in fifth position on 9,595 points and 252 points, followed by Australia on 9,009 points and 250 rating.
These six teams will undoubtedly be the key contenders, heading into the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 tournament in October, although comparing odds will certainly be worthwhile. Depending upon where you look, either India or Australia are favourites, as bookmakers form different opinions.
For this reason Arabian Betting has updated their list of the best betting sites available, offering particular focus on sites operating throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Along with expert analysis of what each bookie has to offer, detailed reviews highlight all the promotions and offers currently available.
The top individual T20 players in 2022
Considering the fact that India currently top the ICC T20 rankings, this is perhaps a reflection of their collective strength, rather than any particularly outstanding individuals. Amongst those featured as the top batters, bowlers, and all-rounders, only Suryakumar Yadave makes the top three in the latest ICC T20 batting rankings.
Currently top of the official ICC T20 batting rankings is Babar Azham of Pakistan, known for his discipline and level-headed attitude, according to the ESPN cricket website. He is closely followed in second position by fellow Pakistani batsman Mohammad Rizwan.
Leading the way among the T20 bowlers is Josh Hazlewood of Australia, who is comfortably ahead of his nearest rivals in the ICC rankings list. Only Tabraiz Shamsi of South Africa comes anywhere close, with Rashid Khan of Afghanistan slightly behind.
Another Afghani player features prominently in the T20 all-rounder charts via the ICC, as Mohammad Nabi tops the list by a considerable points rating. He is followed by Shakib Al Hasan in second position, while Moeen Ali of England ranks in third place.
Checking such ratings may be a good idea for punters ahead of the ICC T20 rankings, given that in some games, outstanding individual performances can often give their teams an important edge. That could potentially be the case for some of the lesser fancied sides ahead of the 2022 tournament, offering the possibility of surprise results.