Tag: Black Caps

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: 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: Guptill hopes to continue new found form in Nelson

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

It’s very uncommon if a New Zealand cricketing summer doesn’t get affected by rain at least once, so it should come as no surprise that after a series of perfect weather the one part of the country that was benefiting from one of its best summer’s should have a match washed out.

Both teams then will enjoy the change of scenery to one of New Zealand’s sunniest – Nelson.  Game four at Saxton Oval is an important one in the scope of the series.  While a drawn series is still a possibility after the washout, the winner of today’s game will take a giant stride in taking out the series.

Saxton has hosted only one previous ODI, so it’s difficult to predict how it will play.  One thing is clear though – both sides will welcome the sunshine.

The Last Time These Two Met

Eden Parks’ game two was washed out after only 28.5 overs of stop start play was possible.  In that time New Zealand had worked their way to 145/3 with Martin Guptill returning to form with an unbeaten 66.  Guptill’s runs, including four 4’s and three 6’s, were made after a sluggish start.  They were exactly what the doctor ordered for the New Zealand team that were becoming too reliant on captain Brendon McCullum.  If Guptill can continue his form, turn over the strike a bit more, it will ease the pressure on McCullum and should set up some big totals.  Tom Latham also pitched in with 42, and Angelo Matthews had all 3 wickets for Sri Lanka.

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 Matt Henry/Trent Boult

Kane Williamson who is such a key part of the Black Caps World Cup plans is regaining fitness and may be included if feeling up to it on the day.  Grant Elliot is available, and the bowlers will likely continue their musical chairs.

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

Sri Lanka have added leg-spinning allrounder Seekkuge Prasanna and quick Dushmantha Chameera as cover for Suranga Lakmal, and Rangana Herath is also under an injury cloud.  However, we expect the team to line up as above and Herath to be available.  His fielding is never important and his action so compete he should be okay to play with the slight niggle.

The Key Players

Tim Southee – In the series thus far New Zealand have struggled to take early wickets.  Hundreds have come from Sri Lanka’s opener and number 4, which means the Black Caps inability to make quick inroads is hurting them.  One player who can turn that around is the retuning Tim Southee.  He didn’t get a chance in Auckland due to the rain but he’ll love bowling in the swing friendly conditions of Nelson.

Angelo Mathews – As a captain he probably under-utlises himself at the bowling crease, but he needn’t.  Unless the reasons for doing so are injury related, Matthews should continue to trust himself to either stifle runs or take valuable wickets.  His three at Eden Park may give him the confidence to bowl more.  If not, he’s still a key player for his batsmanship.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.50

Sri Lanka – $2.60

*Courtesy of Unibet.

The Prediction

New Zealand benefited more than Sri Lanka did in the washout at Auckland.  Martin Guptill’s open wicket net session was the perfect tonic for him to return to form; Latham too.  Therefore, we’re picking a New Zealand win on the back of a complete batting performance (maybe even more runs from Guptill if you fancy a top run-scorer flutter).

Cricket: New Zealand keen to avoid any more slip ups

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Black Caps only have themselves to blame for letting Sri Lanka back in the series after a calamitous effort in the second one-day international in Hamilton.  Instead of hammering home a Brendon McCullum inspired advantage, the Black Caps slipped an tripped their way to four run-outs and a below par total.

Sri Lanka rammed open the door, building pressure with spin and then making a mockery of New Zealand’s pace bowling stocks with an effortless chase.

New Zealand have some serious work to do to avoid losing two straight when the third match of the series gets underway at Eden Park.  Eden Park will suit both sides; New Zealand, as the small boundaries neutralise the threat of the spinners, and Sri Lanka will enjoy a second straight game without swing on offer.

The balanced conditions will make for an intriguing encounter.

The Last Time These Two Met

Game two was a lesson in how to construct a run chase.  It was also a lesson in how not to run between the wickets; New Zealand failing the even simplest of rules of backing up and ball-watching.  Sri Lanka gave the chasing lesson.  In particular Dilshan who scored the bulk of the 249 required runs, easing his way to 116 with effortless drives and pull shots.  If New Zealand’s bowlers were guilty of bowling two lengths; offering up too many four balls, their batsman were guilty of imploding between the wickets.

The Black Caps were on track to score well over 300 after that man McCullum scored another hundred.  Rather than push on though, his side threw away wicket after wicket eventually ending on 248; 50 short on the easy surface.  The tourists did not make the same mistakes, losing only four wickets en-route to levelling the series.  Dilshan was aptly assisted by Kumar Sangakkara (38), Mahela Jayawardene (27) and Angelo Matthews (39*).

The Teams

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

Tim Southee is available for the first time in the series.  He may feature at the expense of Matt Henry leaving two of Milne, McClenaghan and Boult to partner him.  No update has been given on Grant Elliot’s family illness that had him miss game two.

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 pitch at Eden Park may determine how many spinners Sri Lanka play.  They’ll certainly be tempted to fill the gates with them, but won’t go overboard if the pitch won’t suit.  No other changes expected.

The Key Players

Ross Taylor – Despite sitting game one out for a rest, Taylor looked dreadfully out of sorts in game two, and arguably cause much of the run out confusion by setting the scene of uncertainty.  Taylor laboured to 34 from 69 balls before resorting to a leg side hoick and losing his wicket.  Taylor needs to find a way to rotate the strike against the slow bowlers.  He also needs lots more cricket before the CWC.  We’re still backing him contribute though.

Tillakaratne Dilshan – The change in his batting from Christchurch to Hamilton was remarkable.  No longer swishing aimlessly through the offside, instead driving the ball forcefully through the off side and dismissing every short ball (even the ones at 150 clicks).  His bowling and field was also exemplary in a fine all round display.  Dilshan is always involved; expect the same in Auckland.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.67

Sri Lanka – $2.20

*Courtesy of Bookmaker.com.au.

The Prediction

This could go either way.  We’re tempted to pick Sri Lanka again as we have no confidence in Guptill, Taylor, Latham, and Elliot / Vettori to score runs at the moment.  McCullum can’t keep propping New Zealand up.  The frugal spin options that Sri Lanka have at their disposal (despite the small straight boundaries) is also a reason to back them.  Accordingly, we’re going with Sri Lanka to take a 2-1 lead.

Cricket: Sri Lanka a big chance against weakened hosts

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Unbelievably, Sri Lanka have failed to win a game on their tour of New Zealand thus far.  Therefore, Thursday’s game two at Hamilton’s Seddon Park may be the perfect opportunity to do so.  New Zealand are missing some key players and look beatable in game one even though they managed a three wicket win.

If Sri Lanka can make an impression with the bat, post a decent total in excess of 270, there’s no reason why they can’t exploit some nervousness in the opposition batting line-up.  Doing so will allow them to build some momentum before the teams meet again in the World Cup opener.

The Last Time These Two Met

Not for the first time in the last 12 months most of the headlines from game one belonged to Brendon McCullum.  The Black Caps captain equalled his record for the fastest ODI half-century when he bashed 51 from 22 balls to set his team on their way to victory.  Although the final margin wasn’t as comprehensive as it seemed, Corey Anderson’s 81 got the home team over the line by three wickets.  The chase of 219 could have been for less but for the contribution from Mahela Jayawardene, who made a timeless 104.  His first ODI century in New Zealand was full of elegance and grace, and notwithstanding McCullum’s aggressive approach, he easily looked the best batsman on show.

The Teams

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

For New Zealand, Williamson is being rested to overcome a slight shoulder injury, however, Ross Taylor’s return offsets the loss.  Grant Elliot is also doubtful after missing Wednesday’s training for a family health matter.  If Elliot is unavailable Daniel Vettori may have to make up the numbers.  A move that would expose the Black Caps middle and lower order.

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

Possible changes include: Dinesh Chandimal for the surprisingly disappointing Thirimanne who really was strangled in game one; and Lakmal for Shaminda Eranga.  Rotation is inevitable in a seven match series but it remains to be seen whether things will change this early in the series.

The Key Players

Tom Latham – Latham has impressed most with his test match temperament which was showcased during hundreds against Pakistan and West Indies during New Zealand’s winter tours.  His challenge now is to transfer that form to the ODI game.  He has an excellent opportunity to secure the final middle order World Cup bert and this match is perfect platform.

Sachithra Senanayake – The fact that Senanayake bowled the fifth over in Christchurch’s game one is testament to either, McCullum’s intimidating start, or Senanayake tremendous control.  Since returning from an ICC imposed bowling ban he’s been an absolute revelation.  Look for more wickets from the crafty operator in game two as well.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.60

Sri Lanka – $2.90

*International Cricket odds courtesy of TopBetta.

The Prediction

We’re a bit anxious about the fragility of New Zealand’s middle order core.  Latham at three, Taylor without form and cricket at four, and Elliot at five is worrying for a nation with a history of batting collapses.  The Black Caps could falter to the spin of Senanayake and struggle to post a defendable total at Seddon Park.  For that reason we’re picking Sri Lanka to even the series up.