T20 World Cup Betting: England v West Indies

Chris Gayle could help blast the Windies to success
England should improve on their woeful showing against India when they come up against the West Indies, but Ed Hawkins suspects Darren Sammy's men will have too much firepower for them
England v West Indies
Start time: 15.00
Live on TV: Sky Sports 1
England
The world champions were embarrassed against India and their title defence is looking flimsy indeed. No surprise. They were always going to struggle in these conditions with spin so important. A blessing then that they face a non-sub-continental side in their first Super Eight contest, although Sunil Narine may have something to say about that.
West Indies
They are yet to live up to the hype and their defeat by Australia in the group stage was all the more depressing as it revealed they are yet to get over an old failing of a lack of discipline in the field. Their batting is as good as anything in this tournament with Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith the firestarters and Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo charged with throwing on extra fuel at the end.
Venue and conditions
Again, we expect runs up front, particularly with no rain forecast. Backing the side who bats first for 160 or more looks a solid wager.
Match Odds
We have been waiting for this. West Indies are marginal favourites but they should probably be shorter because they are the more balanced side and have more game-changing players.
The 1.9420/21 about Darren Sammy's side is the bet of the day and we are grateful they have not sunk into the regions of 1.804/5 after England were humiliated by India, being shot out for double figures.
England are 2.0421/20 and although one would not be surprised to see a disciplined performance, we reckon that the blasters in the opposition might be too much for them to handle.
Top England batsman
We have little faith in Craig Kieswetter, Alex Hales and Luke Wright firing against the top sides so Eoin Morgan, at 5.104/1 would have to be the bet.
Top West Indies batsman
Gayle is as skinny as 2.8815/8 and that might be worth a lay when the market settles as England, surely, will have devised special plans. Pollard at 5.104/1 under auspices of Any Other is a decent shout.
Recommended Bet
West Indies at 1.9420/21
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