Category: Cricket

Cricket: New Zealand desperate for sterner test

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The majority of New Zealand cricket fans are cautiously optimistic about their teams chances at the impending Cricket World Cup, however, their also probably quite uncomfortable with the noise that the Black Caps are attracting.  Especially due to the ease at which they’ve taken the series against Sri Lanka.

The Black Caps have not been tested in a couple of crucial areas that will make or break their World Cup campaign.  Heading the list of important work ons is their death bowling at the end of a tense chase.  Unfortunately, aside from game two, Sri Lanka have not got close to one of targets and the New Zealand death bowlers are underdone.

Sri Lanka on the other hand need to develop a bowling attack that can tame sides better than they have been doing.  Without Malinga the tourists have struggled to bowl New Zealand out or contain some of their more destructive hitters.  Plenty to practice then in Wellington, which is expected to be cloudy but dry.

The Last Time These Two Met

New Zealand are craving a close game to test their game under pressure before the World Cup.  They didn’t get one in the 6th ODI in Dunedin on Sunday.  Instead the Black Caps eased to a 120 run win on the back of 90’s from Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.  Rather than have their bowlers tested in the final stages of the innings, the Black Caps rolled Sri Lanka for 195.  Kumar Sangakkara’s 81 stood out like a sore thumb in a feeble effort.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Daniel Vettori, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Mitchell McClenaghan

Brendon McCullum is due a rest, so Tom Latham will replace him at the top of the order.  His combination with Guptill may be a slow one and could heap some pressure on the finishers below them.  Kyle Mills will also get some more cricket.

Sri Lanka (likely):  1 Lahiru Thirimanne, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt.)/ Dimuth Karunaratne, 6 Dinesh Chandimal, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Dhammika Prasad/ Dushmantha Chameera 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal

Sri Lanka are starting to resemble the working wounded.  In addition to the problems with Angelo Matthews, and Herath’s departure, Dhammika Prasad and Jeevan Mendis are also carrying niggles.  As a result we could see a debut for Dushmantha Chameera.

The Key Players

Grant Elliott – How well has he slotted back in to international cricket?  Coming into the series he was competing with Latham for a World Cup spot and, after a woeful start and family emergency, he looked uncertain.  No more though.  Elliott has settled the number five debate once and for all and will play an important part in NZ’s World Cup.

Dinesh Chandimal – After an encouraging start to the tour in the Wellington test match, Chandimal has failed to kick on and has contributed just 9 runs in two ODI games.  If he is to

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.57

Sri Lanka – $2.40

*Courtesy of Tom Waterhouse.

The Prediction

Momentum is a hell of a difficult thing to stop in cricket, and in our view Sri Lanka don’t quite have the resources at the moment in which to curtail New Zealand’s.  We’re predicting a NZ win at the Cake Tin.

The Longshot

Grant Elliott to continue his great run of form and top score for New Zealand. $8 at Tom Waterhouse.

Cricket: South Africa welcome back de Kock for final ODI

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The South African cricketing summer ends tonight with the final ODI between the hosts and the West Indies.  SuperSport Park is expected to be packed as locals take up the final chance to see their side off before they fly off to Australia and New Zealand to try and win the Cricket World Cup.

Centurion’s day nighter is the also the final chance for teams to tinker with their line-ups ahead of the warm-up games.  West Indies probably won’t tinker after their dramatic win in game four, but South Africa have already hinted at some changes.  Therefore it should be an exciting finale.

The Last Time These Two Met

The West Indies enjoyed an unlikely first win of the series in Port Elizabeth.  The win was brought about by a fantastic chase of 263 that for the most part looked unlikely.  Andre Russell (64*) and Darren Sammy (51) combined to wrestle the initiative away from a South African side who themselves had fallen behind early and needed a rescue effort of their own.  Their rescue was led by David Miller who made a tremendous 130.  His knock didn’t really deserve to be on the losing side, but neither did Russell’s. Although the win doesn’t affect the series it will add some respectability to the series scoreline.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Hashim Amla (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 Rilee Rossouw, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 David Miller, 8 Wayne Parnell, 9 Kyle Abbott 10 Vernon Philander, 11 Aaron Phangiso

The glorious sight of Quentin de Kock at the top of the order will put smiles on a lot of South African fans’ faces as they build towards the Cricket World Cup.  He’ll open with Amla, with Rossouw dropping down to 4 to fill the void left by AB de Villiers’ rest.  Dale Steyn is still resting too, meaning another chance for Abbott, while Phangiso may get another chance instead of Imran Tahir.

West Indies (likely):  1 Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Leon Johnson, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Jonathan Carter, 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Andre Russell, 9 Jason Holder (capt), 10 Carlos Brathwaite , 11 Sheldon Cottrell

Injury concerns for Lendl Simmons and Sulieman Benn could mean the West Indies field the same side that won game 4 at Port Elizabeth.

The Key Players

Quinton de Kock – The 22-year-old enters the series for the first time after a long ankle enforced injury layoff, and will come under immediate scrutiny from opposition bowlers and the South African selectors.  When fit de Kock is definitely a part of the best team on account of his batting prowess and his keeping that eases the burden on de Villiers.  However, he doesn’t have much time to prove he’s fit and in form.  Especially given how well Russouw and van Wyk have done in his absence.

Darren Sammy – Andre Russell got most of the plaudits for guiding his side to a first victory in the series the last time the teams played, but Sammy deserves some too.  The former captain was instrumental in the chase – without his contribution it would have been too much for Russell to do.  He’s a true professional that has rolled with a number of WICB punches over the years, and we love the fact he still gives his all every time.  We’re expecting another explosive performance from Sammy.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.34

West Indies – $3.25

*Courtesy of BetEasy.

The Prediction

No de Villiers, no Steyn.  Ama returning, de Kock returning.  The personnel changes tend to balance themselves out a bit, and Amla never really fails.  Even still, take a punt on West Indies again.  Worth it at that money and Gayle is due.

Cricket: South Africa seek whitewash with shuffled side

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Much like the test series the ODI series has been one-sided, which in itself is disappointing especially as the T20 games were so even.  It’s been worse though because of the manner of the defeats.  Sure there was some entertainment along the way, but the wallopings are doing nothing for the crowds or for South Africa’s World Cup preparations.

We’re all hoping for something a bit more even in Port Elizabeth where South Africa have rescheduled in a move that could achieve the levelling effect.

The Last Time These Two Met

The West Indies were feeble in defeat in game three.  Already 2-0 down the West Indies failed to build on winning the toss and crumbled for just 122.  Marlon Samuels top scored with just 26, in an inept display of batting that is sure to worry West Indies fans.  Vernon Philander and Imran Tahir took four wickets and three wickets apiece to easily seal the series in South Africa’s favour.  Philander was man of the match after removing Dwayne Smith and Chris Gaye within the first four overs.  The burst set the tone for a East London walkover that was finished by Hashim Amla (61*) and Faf du Plessis (51*).

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Rilee Rossouw, 2 Morne van Wyk (wk), 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 AB de Villiers (capt), 5 David Miller, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Farhaan Behardien, 8 Wayne Parnell, 9 Kyle Abbott, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

South Africa have already determined that Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn will rest in Port Elizabeth.  There exclusions open up opportunities for Morne van Wye and Kyle Abbott.  Regardless of the changes South Africa are still heavy favourites.

West Indies (likely):  1 Dwayne Smith, 2 Chris Gayle, 3 Leon Johnson, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Jonathan Carter, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Jason Holder (capt), 10 Jerome Taylor, 11 Sulieman Benn

Many teams ask players who have performed badly in any given match to fix it at the next opportunity.  We suspect the West Indies will allow their demoralised players to atone.

The Key Players

AB de Villiers – He’s had fun in the series but he hasn’t really been tested when under the pump.  40 balls is not necessarily a guide as to how well he’s playing, so it will be interesting to see how he responds if his side loses early wickets.  That might happen too without the rock Amla to see off the new ball.

Leon Johnson – Has only had a small amount of time to familiarise himself with a new role at number three in a sinking ship, but we’re hoping Johnson can rise tot the challenge.  The series need it.  The series needs the runs he scored in the third test.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.26

West Indies – $3.85

*Courtesy of Unibet.

The Prediction

All good things must come to an end.  How about putting $5 on West Indies to triumph at Port Elizabeth. de Villiers for another hundred too.

 

Cricket: New Zealand expected to wrap up series in game six

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

At 3-1 up New Zealand can’t lost the series.  There will be no talk of a drawn series however, as a 4-2 or 5-1 series win will sound a much stronger warning to opposition teams prior to the World Cup and will also give them unbelievable momentum heading in to further warm up matches against Pakistan.

Aiding New Zealand’s pursuit of a series win will be the glorious summer’s day forecasted in Dunedin.  With a pitch that will have flattened out further, and a University Oval outfield and boundary size that has proven itself to be conducive to big totals, we’re expecting a high scoring game.

The Last Time These Two Met

At 90/5 New Zealand were up against it.  The local television network’s WASP predictor was giving them little chance of posting a respectable total.  However, Grant Elliot and Luke Ronchi combined for a record-breaking sixth wicket partnership of 267* to see New Zealand through to an ultimately too demanding total of 360/5.  Ronchi was the chief destroyer.  Initially counter-attacking the appropriate ball before launching an all out assault on the hapless Sri Lankan’s.  Ronchi scored a first ODI hundred, just a few months after he missed out by one run against South Africa, finishing with 170* – the highest score by a number 7 in ODI cricket.  Elliot completed a century late on too.  He finished with 104*.

Despite a pleasing century to Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sri Lanka never really threatened the Black Caps total.  Dilshan scored his second ton of the series, but lacked support from his countryman, following the trend for the rest of the series whereby the experienced heads are missing help from the surrounding unit.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely):  1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum/Daniel Vettori, 9 Mitchell McClenaghan, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Trent Boult

Adam Milne is the only injury concern within the NZ squad, so any changes are likely to be part of the wider rotation plans.  Mitchell McClenaghan hasn’t had much cricket in the series and is likely to be included alongside Kyle Mills, who returns from injury.

Sri Lanka (likely):  1 Lahiru Thirimanne, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt)/Dimuth Karunaratne, 6 Dinesh Chandimal, 7 Thisara Perara, 8 Jeevan Mendis, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake/Rangana Herath, 11 Dhammika Prasad

Angelo Matthews is not yet fully fit.  Thirimanne will captain in his place, and Herath is expected to return.

The Key Players

Ross Taylor – Taylor’s miserable summer is best summed up by the fact that he hasn’t crossed 40 at any stage.  In four test innings, and four ODI innings Taylor has a best of only 38.  He needs more runs before the start of the World Cup and today might be the day.  He looked better in Dunedin one, he only needs to convert the start into a Ronchi sized hundred.

Dimuth Karunaratne – He’s probably missed the opportunity to open at the World Cup but a middle order spot could still be available if he bangs he door down.  To do so the left hander who has already enjoyed some success on the tour needs to convert his starts (much like Ross Taylor).  Thus, Dunedin two will make for an interesting match for two struggling batsman.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.55

Sri Lanka – $2.35

*Courtesy of Luxbet.

The Prediction

New Zealand are operating better in all three facets.  It’s difficult to see them losing this one.  Back New Zealand, back Williamson to top score.

 

Cricket: Dunedin double header to settle series

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

With New Zealand in the box seat of the one day series the Dunedin double will settle the series in New Zealand’s favour or allow Sri Lanka to play for a drawn in Wellington.  New Zealand are odds on favourites after an excellent chase in Nelson.

The dept the New Zealand team is building is proving a little too challenging for a Sri Lanka team, who for the most part, are out of form.

The Last Time These Two Met

Nelson hosted a close game of cricket on Tuesday that saw the Black Caps get home by four wickets when chasing a tricky 277.  New Zealand’s chase was anchored by the always impressive Kane Williamson, and finished off by a damaging cameo from Luke Ronchi.  Williamson scored his fifth one day international hundred, showing excellent composure as others around him were dismissed in quick succession in a collapse that saw the hosts reduced to 63/3.  Luke Ronchi’s hitting came in the 48th over where he bashed Thisara Perara for 24.

New Zealand’s four wicket win gives them a 2-0 series lead, and takes some of the gloss of Sri Lanka’s decent batting effort.  Batting first the Sri Lankan’s made 276 on the back of Kumar Sangakkara (76) and Mahela Jayawardene (94).  However, the score had had been more devastating if it weren’t for continuous wickets and an inability from the lower order to offer Jayawardene support.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely):  1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt), 3 Tom Latham/Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum/ Daniel Vettori, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Mitchell McClenaghan, 11 Trent Boult

Few changes expected with only the spin option to be determined.  Nathan McCullum looks more likely.

Sri Lanka (likely):  1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Thisara Perara, 8 Jeevan Mendis, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal/Rangana Herath

The world is awaiting the return of Lasith Malinga but unfortunately he won’t be fit until February.

The Key Players

Nathan McCullum/ Daniel Vettori – New Zealand won’t play two spinners in any of their World Cup matches, meaning a tense duel is emerging between Vettori and McCullum to secure the single spot.  By experience, Vettori has the edge.  By wicket-taking intent and strike rate, it’s McCullum.  Economy brings it back towards Vettori.  Either way it’s an intriguing battle, which plays out its next stanza with McCullum scheduled to play in Dunedin.

Tillakaratne Dilshan – Dilshan is in som decent nick at the top of the order and is exuding confidence.  There’s no fear of the Black Caps new ball bowlers, so he should be at his free scoring best again on the pristine University Oval surface.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.55

Sri Lanka – $3.00

*Courtesy of TopBetta.

The Prediction

New Zealand have the momentum, and they also have a better team of contributors.  From 1-11 the entire team are contributing to totals, wickets and wins, whereas the Sri Lankans are relying on the usual suspects.  If Sri Lanka are to win they need more support from the likes of Thirimanne, Karunaratne, Perara and Mendis.  But we can’t see that happening – we’ll go with NZ to make the series unloseable.

The Longshot

University Oval is short straight so there should be a large number of 6s hit.  How about taking a bet on both teams to hit the same number of 6s.  It’s paying $7.50 at TopBetta.

Cricket: West Indies seek respite from rampant hosts

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The West Indies are battered, bruised and suffering an alright AB de Villiers inflicted cricketing hangover.  Conceding 439 is always bad, giving up another fastest ODI hundred (they were the opposing team when Corey Anderson set the previous best) is worse.  Both factors mean the West Indies need inspiration and need it fast if they are to compete in game two of the ODI series.

This sounds unusual for West Indies cricket, but given their current make-up, they will welcome the slower conditions at Port Elizabeth.  They might also be saved from another onslaught if the predicted rain eventuates.

The Last Time These Two Met

The match belonged to de Villiers.  de Villiers made an incredible 149 off just 44 balls; in the process breaking Corey Anderson’s record for the fastest ODI century of all time.  de Villiers bullied his way to nine 4’s and sixteen 6’s.  His innings went like this: 4,2,1,1,4,6,4,6,6,.,2,2,lb,1,6,6,6,4,6,1,4,1,1,.,4,4,.,6,4,6,6.  He helped his side amass 439, of which Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw also made hundreds.  Incredibly they butchered the chance of posting the highest team score ever in ODI cricket by scoring just 3 from the final over.  The West Indies made 291 – the best score of the series for them thus far – but never threatened the target.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Rilee Rossouw, 3 Faf du Plessis 4 AB de Villiers (capt & wk), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 David Miller, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

Wrap the series up first and tinker with the side afterwards.  South Africa will probably stick with the status quo before tinkering later in the series with the ranking points well and truly wrapped up.

West Indies (likely):  1. Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Lendl Simmons/Leon Johnson, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Jonathan Carter, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Darren Sammy, 9 Jason Holder (capt), 10 Jerome Taylor/Sheldon Cottrell, 11 Sulieman Benn

We have previously suggested the West Indies should consider Lendl Simmons, now they have no choice.  While there bowling took plenty of punishment in game three, the batting still needs to be improved – especially at the top.  Jerome Taylor was one of those bowlers who got destroyed in Johannesburg so he might be due a rest and Sheldon Cottrell given a chance.

The Key Players

Farhaan Behardien – He may not be in line for a huge amount of cricket in the World Cup, but if called upon South African fans will want to be able to believe in him in crunch times.  Instances like game two don’t really help his cause, and while he’ll have a huge amount of pad rash, he won’t have much else to show for it.  He needs time in the middle and may play an important role in game three if he gets it.

Sulieman Benn – The lanky spinner was one of the first to tip his cap to de Villers after the outstanding knock, but in truth, he deserved some credit too.  Benn conceded just 49 from his ten overs (in amongst RPO’s such as 10 for Jason Holder and 17 for Dwayne Smith), to easily be the best West Indies bowler.  With his quicks going the distance, Benn will need to be at his wily best to stop the host’s batsman.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.24

West Indies – $4.10

*Courtesy of Sportsbet Australia.

The Prediction

Wow the money on the West Indies is good.  But with a highest score of just 64 in the series from their batsman it’s hard to see them winning games, unless of course, Chris Gayle comes off.  That’s effectively what you’re doing if you bet on West Indies here. So you may as well go for the Chris Gayle to top score / West Indies win combo paying $11.00.

But, South Africa should win again.  Too strong in every aspect and taking their World Cup preparations seriously.

The Longshot 

Rilee Rossouw to double up and score 50 in game two – $3.33