The Three Big Questions
What does New Zealand’s win mean for the World Cup?
The Black Caps win was highly entertaining but doesn’t mean all that much for the rest of the World Cup. They will probably top Pool A now and have a home quarterfinal and semifinal if they get that far. It makes Australia’s road slightly harder and they may face the difficult prospect of South Africa in the semi-final; possibly a little earlier than anticipated. The win proves low totals are defendable, showcases swing bowling as a very serious weapon against the power hitting approach, but also shows New Zealand’s susceptibility to quality pace bowling. Taylor, Elliot and Anderson all looked vulnerable to real pace, and their form will be a concern.
How will Australia respond?
By dominating all of their opponents in the lead up to the semifinals. It was certainly a wake up call and we expect them to bounce back with huge performances against Scotland, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Big wins against the raining Pool companions will return them to confidence and remove any demons from their Eden Park performance – they won’t bat this badly again in the tournament.
What did the win do to the tournament winner odds?
Australia – $2.90, South Africa – $4.00, New Zealand – $4.25.
No change to the outright market after the unexpected win. While New Zealand may shorten over the next few days, there was no flurry of money on New Zealand after their nervy batting performance. Australia still big favourites (as expected).
Today’s Matchups
1. England v Sri Lanka, Wellington Regional Stadium (Wellington – mostly sunny), starts 11:00am local time
England – $1.85
Sri Lanka – $1.95
Bookies are having a hard time separating two evenly matched teams in the day’s first encounter in Wellington. Both teams have had their share of disappointment in the tournament thus far, but both are coming off big wins against Scotland and Bangladesh respectively. This game should give a good indication of the merits of each teams Cricket World Cup chances.
Look for plenty of runs on a quick Wellington surface and expect this one to go deep into the last overs to find a winner.
2. Pakistan v Zimbabwe, The Gabba (Brisbane – parlty cloudy), starts 1:30pm local time
Pakistan – $1.25
Zimbabwe – $4.00
Pakistan have the chance to ease the nerves of their entire nation, and in the process save a few effigies from the predictable burning. Their easiest matchup of the World Cup thus far gives them an opportunity to build confidence, find some form, and settle on the combinations that will hopefully compete in the knockout stages. Zimbabwe haven’t played a bad game yet so they’ll target this one as a genuine upset chance. How they handle the uncomfortable bounce of Mohammed Irfan will ultimately determine how they go. Oh and their death bowling needs to improve too.
Today’s Multi
The Sexual Innuendo Multi
Joe Root to Top Score – $5.00 + ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi to Win Man of the Match Award – $12.00
Pays – $60.00
Odds from BetEasy.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
