24 March,2011 06:36 AM IST | | J Dey
Contrary to popular sentiment, bookmakers have set Australia as the favourite to win the quarterfinal clash against India at Motera in Ahmedabad today.
According to sources, a niggling injury to the explosive Virender Sehwag and the lacklustre Indian middle-order batting line up and poor bowling display are some of the factors that have forced bookies to reverse the odds.
At the start of the World Cup, bookmakers had placed India as the favourite to lift the World Cup, however at the end of the league stage India slipped to second position and was replaced by South Africa as the top contender.
Bookies are offering 75 paise for an Australian win and Rs 1.30 if India manages to pull this one off.
Bookmakers are also not accepting any bets on a possible India-Pakistan semi-final clash at Mohali. Until yesterday, the odds for an India-Pakistan clash were quite high. But now they have got their fingers crossed.
"Let's wait and see if India is able to beat Australia," remarked a key bookie from central Mumbai.
While the bookmakers have managed to steer clear of the police dragnet, the cops are hot on their heels. "The drive against bookies is on for the last one month," said police spokesperson DCP Rajkumar Vhatkar.
"We are looking out for some big-time bookies," remarked Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) Himanshu Roy.
75 paise
Odds in favour of an Aussie win at Motera
