Group Stage betting... Waste of time and money?

Looking at the group stages leaves me slightly short of breath. It makes me wonder as a fan why things couldn't have been a little more 'edgy'.

The ICC has effectively cleared a path for the top 8 teams to sail through to next phase of the competition, by grouping the two strong teams with two of the world's so-called minnows.

Politics and frustration aside, what position does this leave the humble gambler in?

Well, let's face it it's not great, but I've singled out a few bets which might bring some smiles to everyone's faces in the group stages. Prices are as of 7/3/07.

1) South Africa to win group A @ 5/4.

Australia head the betting at a stingy 4/7, but with all their recent turmoil one would have to plump for the Africans here

2) Holland to Beat Scotland in the group game

Holland have shown themselves to be a none-too-shabby batting side over recent years. Even when Sri Lanka posted the highest even one day score against them, they still scored heavily and quickly. Scotland have shown poor form coming into the Cup, and even on their day, will struggle to beat a keen Dutch side.

3) Spread Bet: Sri Lanka and/or India to put 400+ past the Bahamas

Only one man in the Bahamian team managed to contain the English batsmen, so with the extended talent of India and Sri Lanka, one would fear for the averages of the small nation's bowlers.

4) Ireland to beat Zimbabwe in the group game

The Irish without a hint of luck nearly embarassed the Proteas yesterday, and with Zimbabwe's crushing defeat at the hands of Australia, an Irish win, and a good price should be well on the cards.

As something of an addendum to this post, I just saw that Mike Hussey is the best part of 30/1 to be leading runscorer with Paddy Power. For a man who averages close to 80 in ODI's, and is commonly regarded as the best finisher in world cricket this has to be one of the bets of the year.