A semifinal spot against South Africa in Auckland awaits the winner of the final World Cup quarterfinal. It would be cruel to not see New Zealand there, at Eden Park, in front of a huge home crowd. But that’s exactly what the West Indies will be looking to achieve when they bring their enigmatic game to Wellington for the first time in the tournament.
Betcirca brings you all the key information for the New Zealand v West Indies quarterfinal.
The Last Time These Two Met
In late 2013, early 2014 New Zealand and the West Indies faced off in a series that became famous for one person rather than one match. It was Corey Anderson, and his record breaking hundred in Queenstown. That was the last time the sides have met in one day internationals. The series was split 2-2, with the final game decided in West Indies favour by a whopping 203 runs.
The Teams
New Zealand (likely): 1 Brendon McCullum (capt), 2 Martin Gupill, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Corey Anderson, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Adam Milne.
Adam Milne is fit and will replace big Mitchell McClenaghan in the only change for the Black Caps from the team that beat Bangladesh.
West Indies (likely): 1 Chris Gayle , 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Jonathan Carter, 5 Lendl Simmons, 6 Denesh Ramdin 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Andre Russell, 9 Jason Holder, 10 Jerome Taylor, 11 Sulieman Benn
Chris Gayle will play even if he’s 15% fit, he’s that important to their chances. He’s been in and out of training all week but we believe he’ll be available to open with Johnson Charles. Sulieman Benn will probably be included instead of Kemar Roach as a slow bowling option alongside all the seam bowlers.
The Key Players
Kane Williamson – Last time at bat, Kane Williamson scored a solitary run. It was his first single figure score in 24 innings. It was the first time since Boxing Day 2013 (ironically it was against the West Indies). We predict it won’t happen again at this World Cup. This incredibly humble, intelligent and unflappable batting talent will bounce back with big runs today. It’s in his nature, it’s in his mind.
Jason Holder – Twenty-three year olds are generally only found in the crowds of Cricket World Cup quarterfinals. Not leading their side amongst selection wrangles, pay wrangles and Twenty20 franchise distractions. However, Holder has excelled in his role and is one of the genuine finds of the 2015 World Cup. He’s has wickets to his name, runs beside it and has garnered the respect of the cricket world. He’s the key for the West Indies today. How will his game and captaincy compare to Brendon McCullum.
The Match Odds*
New Zealand – $1.28
West Indies – $3.70
*Courtesy of Ladbrokes Australia.
The Prediction
New Zealand should be able to continue their tournament momentum with a win in Wellington. While the conditions won’t suit their bowlers as well as they did when they played England at the Cake Tin, they’ll still have the class to take top order wickets and restrict the West Indies batsman. New Zealand by 60 runs or 4 wickets.
The Best Bets
Williamson doesn’t fail twice in a row. Get on him to Top Score @ $4.25.
Jerome Taylor loves playing New Zealand (would you believe he has a Test match century to his name against them?). He can bowl too. He’s paying $3.75 to be the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies.
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.
