Betting on the Netball World Cup
Published:The air is buzzing with anticipation as Africa's inaugural Netball World Cup has officially arrived!
Netball has grown in popularity in recent years, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts and bettors around the world. Betting on netball can be a fun, exciting, and potentially profitable experience, but it requires a deep understanding of the game, the teams, and the strategies that can guide you to make informed decisions. This quick-guide will take you through the ins and outs of betting on this fascinating sport.
Understanding Netball
Before placing any bets, it's crucial to understand the sport itself. Netball is a fast-paced game typically played by two teams of seven players each. It's a sport that requires excellent teamwork, precision, and quick decision-making abilities. Key positions in the game include the Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Wing Attack, Center, Wing Defense, Goal Defense, and Goal Keeper.
Betting Types in Netball
There are several different types of bets you can place in netball, including:
- Match Betting: This is the simplest form of betting. Here, you're simply predicting which team will win a given match.
- Handicap Betting: In handicap betting, bookmakers give one team a hypothetical advantage (or disadvantage) to balance the perceived difference in abilities between the teams. This means that the stronger team must win by more than the 'handicap' for bets on them to win.
- Quarter/Half Betting: This type of betting allows you to bet on which team will be leading at the end of each quarter or half of the game.
- Total Goals: Here, you're betting on the total number of goals that will be scored in a game by both teams.
Which teams are playing in the World Cup?
16 teams will be playing in the World Cup, and they'll be divided into the following pools:
- Pool A: Australia, Tonga, Zimbabwe, and Fiji
- Pool B: England, Malawi, Scotland and Barbados
- Pool C: Jamaica, South Africa, Wales and Sri Lanka
- Pool D: New Zealand, Uganda, Trinidad & Tobago and Singapore
Who are the favourites this year?
Maintaining their superior position in global netball, Australia, the world's top-ranked team, is aiming for a 12th victory in Cape Town!
The Diamonds, Australia's national team, underwent a period of doubt due to limited gameplay amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. However, their triumph at the Commonwealth Games last year signified that they're still the team to conquer.
New Zealand, the reigning champions, could be considered among the favourites even with a squad that has changed since their 2019 trophy win.
Since their Commonwealth gold victory in 2018, England, positioned third globally, has challenged the traditionally superior netball countries. However, they've been unable to clinch a World Cup title thus far.
Jamaica, despite never making it to a World Cup final and not winning a medal since 2007, is in contention after securing a historical silver at the previous year's Commonwealth Games.
South Africa's performance was not as good as they would've wanted, at the last Commonwealth Games, finishing sixth following a fourth-place finish four years earlier. However, with the advantage of a home crowd this year, they could potentially upset the established teams!
Stay on the winning road and keep in mind that research is key, follow the action, and consider the market!