After almost crashing out of the World Twenty20 in a rain-afflicted group stage, the signs are that England have mastered the format at just the right time in the Super Eight. A perfect run of three wins against reigning champions Pakistan, much-fancied South Africa and perennial dark horses New Zealand has seen Andy Flower’s side surge into a semi-final against Sri Lanka – and raised hopes of finally ending the country’s duck in International Cricket Council tournaments.
William Hill have seen a real gamble on England to beat Sri Lanka in the Twenty20 World Cup semi and they are 4/5 favourites, with Sri Lanka offered at 1/1.
“Punters are becoming more patriotic by the day and we have had a number of doubles for England to win the Twenty20 cup and the football World Cup at 28/1,” said Hill’s spokesman Rupert Adams.
World Twenty20: 4/5 England, 1/1 Sri Lanka
Most Sixes: 11/10 England, 11/10 Sri Lanka, 5/1 Draw
Top Batsman: 3/1 Pietersen, 10/2 Lumb, 4/1 Kieswetter, 9/2 Bopara, 5/1 Morgan, 11/2 Collingwood, 10/1 Wright, 25/1 Yardy, 28/1 Bresnan, 50/1 Swann, 50/1 Broad, 66/1 Bar
Twenty20 World Cup: 5/4 Australia, 11/4 England, 7/2 Sri Lanka, 9/2 Pakistan
