Aussies pay for over-confidence

Every so often a real shock happens in the betting world and Zimbabwe provided it in Capetown on Tuesday when they beat the current world champions and No 1 Test side Australia in the Twenty20 World Cup.

Australia had not played any cricket for three months and looked rusty as they struggled to a total of 139-9 in their 20 overs. The Aussies were out of sorts in every department - including their new skin-tight kits - and as a result have been pushed out to 11/4 from 7/4 to win the ICC World Twenty20 after this dramatic defeat at the hands of the African minnows.

Ricky Ponting's men, who were 1/33 with Ladbrokesto win the game at the start of play, have also drifted to 2/1 to top Group B. And a poor night for the Aussies proved a great one for punters who backed the African minnows in play.

Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "We did the best part of £30,000 in play on the Aussies as we just couldn't believe they were going to lose.

"Pakistan going down to Ireland in the Caribbean was one thing but this was extraordinary. Armed with a white ball, David really can beat Goliath."

England are now 1/2 favourites to top the table and are 7/1 from 8/1 to lift the trophy.

Zimbabwe have been slashed from 33/1 to 7/1 to win the group and are 80/1 from 250/1 to win the tournament as they proved in this format of cricket then anything can really happen.

Latest betting: Australia 11/4; South Africa 3/1; Sri Lanka 6/1; New Zealand 7/1; England 7/1; India 9/1; Pakistan 10/1; West Indies 10/1; Bangladesh 50/1; Zimbabwe 80/1; Kenya 500/1; Scotland 1000/1

Group B: England 1/2; Australia 2/1; Zimbabwe 7/1

(Editor's Note: Is this the time to back Australia to win the Cup or are they so out of sorts they may not even qualify from the group? Follow all the latest cricket prices on Ladbrokes!)