ICC Champions Trophy Preview & Predictions

We have expert betting tips for the ICC Champions Trophy cricket tournament, which starts on Wednesday night with hosts Pakistan playing New Zealand.

It should be an exciting tournament, and we have Champions Trophy picks and predictions, including tournament winner, top runscorer, top wicket taker, and name the finalists.

ICC Champions Trophy Tips & Predictions

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ICC Champions Trophy Winner – India

With the tournament being played in Pakistan and Dubai, that should favour India to win the Champions Trophy.

They come off a 3-0 drubbing of England, including scoring 356 runs in the third ODI, with England scoring just 214 returns in return. It was a great series for the $2.50 favourites, and we’re not surprised by the odds.

Our only worry is how they performed against Australia. However, playing in Australia is a different beast, which is why bookmakers have India at $2.50 and Australia at $6 to win the ICC Champions Trophy over the next few weeks.

We’re taking the shorts for the favourites, who are always tough to beat in international tournaments.

Bet: India @ $2.50

ICC Champions Trophy Best Value – New Zealand

It’s always tough to know what the Black Caps will produce, but there’s no denying that over the last five years, they have been one of the more consistent tournament teams.

They prepared for this tournament with a mini-competition against Pakistan and South Africa, with New Zealand going 3-0 after beating Pakistan twice and South Africa once. They won all three games convincingly, including chasing down 304 set by South Africa.

Cricket odds have New Zealand at $7, so they’re being respected. They have the strike power to win the tournament, providing they keep their nerve.

Bet: New Zealand @ $7.00

ICC Champions Trophy Best Roughie – Australia

Australia isn’t a roughie at $6, but the only roughies in Champions Trophy betting are Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and we’re not backing them to win.

We think $6 is a good price for an Australian team easily good enough to win the competition. They made India look second rate in Australia, and although conditions in Pakistan and Dubai are heavier, they’re still a chance.

There is a good mix of youth and experience with the current team. It’s not a vintage Australian outfit, especially after playing horrendously against Sri Lanka (scoring 282 runs from two matches), they usually play their best in big tournaments.

Bet: Australia @ $6.00

Top Runscorer – Virat Kohli

What better way for India to make a winning run than having Virat Kohli lead the way with his bat.

The 36-year-old is still a quality batsman, and although he’s often preoccupied with causing controversy with the Australians, he should be focused on leading India to victory at the ICC Champions Trophy.

Teammate Shubman Gill is the current favourite at $7.25, but there is better value with Kohli at $8.25. He should lead by example and score some big totals. We see him scoring over 100 runs in at least one of the matches.

We’re also including Kane Williamson, who continues to be one of the best batsmen to ever play the game. His statistics are outstanding, and he should give the Kiwis an average of around 40-50 runs, which could be enough to win the honour.

Williamson is a $14 chance with bookmakers, so include him for value.

Bet: Virak Kohli @ $8.25

Top Wicket Taker – Adam Zampa

Spin bowlers should have a field day in the conditions, which is why spin bowlers are at the top of the market.

Our pick for top wicket taker is Adam Zampa, who should get plenty of turn in the air, which could give opposing batsmen plenty of strife.

He’s a fiery character, like most Australian spinners, and we think he will take the most wickets. Punters get $9.25 for Zampa, and although it’s a wide-open betting market, he could spearhead the Australian bowling attack.

Bet: Adam Zampa @ $9.25

Name the Finalists – India vs New Zealand

As our ICC Champions Trophy picks suggest, we’re backing India and New Zealand to make the final.

It would be an exciting final and punters get $10 for it to happen. That’s a generous price considering Australia vs India pays $5.20, and New Zealand aren’t far behind Australia in betting markets to win the tournament.

Bet: India/New Zealand @ $10.00

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Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.