Tag: cricket betting

Bangladesh Hoping For New Year’s Eve Boost

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

As most of New Zealand prepares for a New Year’s Eve party, Nelson is set to host a damp squib dead rubber in the third one day international between New Zealand and Bangladesh. New Zealand has dominated the series thus far, recording easy wins in Christchurch and Nelson, and look set to do the same in the Nelson finale.

A series sweep the aim for New Zealand, and pride and momentum for Bangladesh as there is still plenty of cricket to be played on this tour.

The Series So Far

Game one was dominated by the bats of Colin Munro and Tom Latham as the Black Caps registered a win by 77 runs.

Game two in Nelson was a different story. Bangladesh had chances throughout and managed to restrict the home side to just 251. In response, the Bangladesh chase was under control at 105/1 before a massive collapse (including three wickets to part-timer Kane Williamson) saw the tourists lose their way completely. They eventually lost by 67 runs.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely):

1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Neil Broom, 5 James Neesham, 6 Colin Munro, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Jeetan Patel, 11 Trent Boult

The slow nature of the Saxton Oval wicket and the presence of three left-handers in the Bangladesh top five is likely to see the recently added Jeetan Patel play his first ODI since 2009. Patel’s been in okay form plying his trade in New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, the McDonalds Super Smash.

Bangladesh (likely):

1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mosaddek Hossain, 7 Nurul Hasan, 8 Tanbir Hayder, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Taskin Ahmed

Mustafizur will probably come back in after being rested for game two. Subashis Roy is the player likely to make way. Additionally, Mehedi Hasan should make his first appearance of the series for the same reason New Zealand have included Patel. The 19-year old enjoyed an exceptional test series against England in October and needs to be given an opportunity in limited-overs cricket.

The Key Players

New Zealand

It’s a big game for Neil Broom. Granted the middle order batsman is coming off a hundred, which in some circumstance might buy him more time in the number four position, but with Ross Taylor just around the corner (Taylor scored 82 for Central Districts in a domestic T20 game against Auckland yesterday to show he’s nearing a return). Broom needs runs again to guarantee a place at number five for the Australian series and for the Champions Trophy. A batsman who can control the middle overs is exactly what NZ need. If Broom can do the same in Nelson as he did in game two he will well and truly have the inside running.

Bangladesh

The last time Mahmudullah was in the Southern Hemisphere he was unstoppable. He scored back-to-back World Cup hundreds, amassed 365 runs and averaged 73. In this series, however, he’s scored just one run across the two matches. Bangladesh needs more out of the experienced right-hander if they are to salvage some pride from the one day international series and take some confidence through to the T20 series.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.19

Bangladesh – $4.80

*All odds courtesy of Palmerbet.

The Prediction

Despite some wobbles in both of the opening two games of the series, New Zealand’s overall quality has eventually got them through. The same will happen here again with New Zealand winning a low scoring encounter. New Zealand by 6 wickets or 57 runs.

The Best Bets

If you think Mahmudullah is due to score runs the $5.50 on him to top score is incredibly attractive.

And Jeetan Patel might come into the markets nicely priced. He hasn’t been added as yet, but look out for the odds of him being the unlikely top bowler for New Zealand.

New Zealand Vow to be Aggressive Against Bangladesh Tourists

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Hagley Park in Christchurch is set to be bathed in sunshine for the opening one-day international between New Zealand and Bangladesh on Boxing Day. The rebuilt venue is a glorious sight on a summer’s day and the perfect place to celebrate the start of a long Bangladesh tour and the holiday season.

We preview the opening one-day international, the first of three matches between the two countries in Christchurch this summer, below:

The Last Time These Two Met

The Black Caps didn’t have it all their own way in the 2015 World Cup with the men in the pool stages. Bangladesh made 288 batting first in Hamilton but was overrun by Martin Guptil, the tournament’s leading run scorer as New Zealand registered a win by three wickets. New Zealand will field a vastly different side to the team that made the World Cup final, meaning the Bangladesh are a real chance to get an upset or two in this series.

The Teams

New Zealand (probable)

1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Neil Broom, 5 Colin Munro, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent Boult

Matt Henry and James Neesham may not find a place if New Zealand decides to go with an attack similar to the one they employed against Australia in Melbourne. Neil Broom is likely to take Henry Nicholls’ place at No. 4, and Luke Ronchi will certainly be replacing BJ Watling behind the stumps.

Bangladesh (probable)

1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mosaddek Hossain, 8 Tanbir Hayder/Mehedi Hasan, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Taskin Ahmed

Mustafizur proved his match fitness during Bangladesh’s warm-up game in Whangerei, so if the team management is confident that he can manage himself on the field, it will be a straight swap for the injured Shafiul Islam from Bangladesh’s last ODI in October. Nasir Hossain isn’t in the ODI squad too, so a call between the uncapped Mehedi Hasan and Tanbir Hayder will have to be made.

The Key Players

New Zealand

Martin Guptill is one of the world’s most destructive one-day players and he enters this series – having been pretty consistent at home over the last few years – in destructive form. Guptil lead the run-scoring charts for NZ in their recent Chappell-Hadlee series loss to Australia and will be tasked with setting the tone for NZ in terms of aggression against a clever bowler in the man below.

Bangladesh

After sitting out much of the season, Mustafizur returns to the line-up desperately hoping he can stay fit and build on his efforts in the IPL and for Sussex in the English County Season. The 21-year old proved his fitness in the warm up loss in Whangarei, taking two wickets (although one was a strangle down the leg side) and showing he’ll be a worry for the New Zealand batsman in the Boxing Day opener. Mustafizur was also recently named ICC’s Emerging Player of the Year.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.22

Bangladesh – $4.25

*All odds from Unibet.

The Prediction

New Zealand has struggled with Bangladesh in recent years. A 4-0 series loss in 2010 was comical and further losses in 2013 seem to suggest they could cause an upset on this tour. However, the trend is not enough to call Bangladesh a bogey team for New Zealand and we can’t see a shock in the series opener. We expect Bangladesh to take some time to ease themselves into this series. New Zealand to win by 40 runs or 5 wickets.

The Best Bets

Guptill to score over 37 is paying a generous $1.87. We can’t see him missing out here.

Shakib is paying the same to score just 24. That looks good money too. $4.15 if he makes it all the way to 50.

And what about a cheeky look at Lockie Ferguson to be the top bowler at $5. His pace could scare a few of the tourist batsman and he could get some cheapies.

 

 

A Boxing Day Sequel to Brisbane’s Epic

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Pakistan fought valiantly in Brisbane after being written off following their meek first innings. Their effort was surprising yet encouraging and gives game two in Melbourne an intriguing tint. Have Australia well and truly turned the corner, or does the fourth innings nerves prove that there are still nerves amongst the camp when they’re under pressure.

We’ll find out on Boxing Day when the MCG hosts the teams for game two of the series. Check out our thoughts on the key players and how you might be able to make some money from them below:

The Series So Far

The Gabba opener has been labelled the game of 2016, which is no mean feat given some of the exceptional games of cricket in Bangladesh featuring England earlier this year. At its conclusion, Australia snuck a 39 run win after setting Pakistan a mammoth 490 fourth innings chase. Pakistan garnered admiration for their effort in the fourth innings which was spearheaded by Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan and Azhar Ali. However, they also showed a fragility in the first innings that could be exposed throughout game two.

The Teams

Australia (likely):

1 David Warner, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steve Smith (capt), 5 Peter Handscomb, 6 Hilton Cartwright, 7 Matthew Wade, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Josh Hazlewood, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jackson Bird.

Debutant Hilton Cartwright is expected to replace Nic Maddinson after the left-hander has registered just 5 runs in his first three test knocks. The team is otherwise settled.

Pakistan (likely):

Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Yasir Shah, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali.

No changes are expected from the visitors for game two at the MCG.

The Key Players

Australia: David Warner was one of the big winners when the ICC announced their awards for 2015/16 during the week. Along with Starc, Warner was named in both the Test and ODI teams of the year. The selections illustrate just how important he is to the Australian side in both forms of the game, and how successful he has been.

Pakistan: Asad Shafiq is quickly becoming one of the premier test number 6s in the world. The diminutive veteran of 41 tests has hundreds in England, South Africa and Australia now, a feat that Kohli, Root and Williamson haven’t achieved. His even tempering and range of shots see him as the key player in the Pakistan batting line-up, as he proved in Brisbane. If he can replicate his effort, Pakistan could push Australia all the way and the test match well into the last day.

The Match Odds*

Australia – $1.40

Pakistan – $6

Draw – $5.50

*All odds courtesy of Bet365.

The Prediction

Australia hasn’t lost a Boxing Day test match since 2010 (against England). Therefore, we’re loathe to bet against them here. With momentum, history and form on their side, we expect Australia to win by 9 wickets or over 150 runs.

The Best Bets

Mitchell Starc was once rested for a Boxing Day test against Pakistan. It was 2012 and Micky Arthur didn’t last much longer after the blunder. He’s coaching Pakistan now but I don’t think he’ll be able to prepare his side for the Starc onslaught that’s about to head their way. We’re backing him to be the best Australian bowler at $2.75.

Younis Khan’s second innings of 65 showed he’s approaching close to his best form. He could be good money at $4.50 to top score for the tourists. If his top three can shield him from Starc early, a half century or more could be on the cards.

England vs. India: Opening Session Swings Odds in England’s Favour

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The first test between England and India has, so far, proven to be full of surprises. Following a distinctly uninspiring performance against Bangladesh, England travelled to India for the five-test series as the proverbial underdogs.

Despite sporting a stiff upper lip and saying all the right things, England’s players know they have a mammoth task against the top-ranked test side in the world. So too do the pundits. Before the first ball had been bowled, England cricket legend Ian Botham acknowledged that the three lions could struggle; especially if bowlers Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can find the wickets.

England Poised to Upset India

However, through all the potential doom and gloom, Botham believes England’s youngsters could surprise a few people. Telling the media that the current squad has the potential to become the number one test team in the world, Botham recalls the 2012/2013 where England “hammered” India.

On that occasion, India was the home side and considered the red hot favourites. However, thanks to a ten-wicket win in Mumbai, England clinched the series 2-1. With the omens seemingly on their side, England appears to be upsetting the odds once again.

Indeed, before the start of the first test, the odds makers gave Trevor Bayliss’s men a 12/1 chance of winning the series outright. However, following a storming first day performance by England’s Ben Stokes (128), Joe Root (124) and Moeen Ali (117), England have suddenly become the favourites to take the first test.

A Strong Start for England has Bookies Scrambling

While there is still a long way to go in the series as a whole, England’s opening total of 537 was hugely impressive. Now, it’s worth noting that India’s fielders fumbled three easy takes early in the day, which if they’d have caught them, could have changed the dynamics dramatically. However, the reality is that they didn’t take their chances, and that’s given England a huge boost.

A quick look at the betting markets for the first test shows England at 21/10 with Sun Bets on Day 2, while Sky Bet has the home side out at 7/1. Following an impressive session in front of the stumps, England’s Ali is currently the bowling favourite to take the most wickets in the first test. Sky Bet’s number crunchers have priced the youngster at 100/30, while Adil Rashid to take the most wickets is currently 7/2.

Of course, India may be down at this point, but they’re certainly not out. Murali Vijay is currently leading India’s batting betting line at Sun Bets, Sky Bet and Coral, but it’s the latter’s “to score 75” odds that look the most appealing. With the 25 not out after facing 70 balls, Vijay certainly looked calm in the face of a potential upset. Indeed, after striking four fours (three against Stuart Broad), he’ll certainly be confident of more when he returns to the crease.

Cool Heads Will Emerge Victorious

In fact, it’s this kind of steady hand that could help India right an opening day full of wrongs. England’s batsmen were totally dominant against India’s spinners, but a veteran like Vijay could set the example his peers need to regain their composure. As it stands, Sun Bets’ 8/1 on India to win the first test is the longest odds you’ll currently get, but whether or not it’s a wise wager remains unclear.

Yes, India came through England’s opening attack with no casualties to score 63, but there is a long way to go on Day 3. If Vijay and Gautam Gambhir can amass some early runs, it will certainly settle the nerves in the Indian dressing room. However, an early fumble reminiscent of those we saw on Day 1 could send a shockwave through the side and allow England to rattle off some wickets.

For many, England was never expected to be in this position after opening the batting in the first test. However, now they are in this position, the pressure could be on, and it will be up to Alastair Cook to impart some words of wisdom on his rising stars. If he can do that and India’s batting line crumbles, England could easily clinch the first test to set-up an enthralling conclusion to the series.

Cricket ODI South Africa vs. Australia : Get Ready for Runs

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The fourth One Day International (ODI) between South Africa and Australia could be a record-breaking affair in Port Elizabeth. With South Africa posting the second-highest run chase in ODI history on October 5, Russell Domingo’s men will line up on October 9 full of confidence.

Leading the charge and knocking balls for six like they were going out of fashion in the third match was South Africa’s David Miller. Notching up 118 not out, Miller’s efforts not only helped the home side claim victory by four wickets, but it outshone two superb innings by Australia’s David Warner and Steve Smith.

Heading into the fourth match it could be this fact alone that will give South Africa the edge. Despite Warner and Smith both notching up centuries to help the Aussies to a 371-6 total, their best just wasn’t enough to topple a South Africa team on white-hot form. When any team produces a strong performance but still walks away in second place it can be a tough pill to swallow and, if that’s true on October 9, we could see Australia choke again.

South Africa Odds on for a Fourth Win

The latest cricket betting odds at Ladbrokes has South Africa leading the way at 8/11 with Australia bringing up the rear at 11/10. Over at Sun Bets it’s much of the same, as South Africa is currently topping the odds with a betting line set at 4/6.

From an overall perspective, this match could easily go either way. South Africa might have the psychological and numerical edge, but Australia’s players gave a strong account of themselves in the third showdown. With that being the case, it would be remiss of a canny punter to overlook the 6/5 price Winner Sports has on offer.

Of course, if you really want to unearth some value from this ODI clash, it’s worth looking at the individual player market. As we’ve said, Miller put on a clinic last time out, and could have batted well over the 118 had he not run out of time. With that match taking place just a few days ago, it’s hard to see how Miller will have lost his touch in that time, which means he could be on for another strong total if he gets to the crease.

It’s Miller Time

For anyone willing to jump on that bandwagon, 6/1 at Sun Bets for Miller to be the top scorer is too tempting a price to overlook, as is 22/1 Andile Phehlukwayo who hit 42 not out in the same game. If you’re inclined to look on the other side of the oval towards Australia’s finest, seeing past Warner and Smith in the batting stakes is tough.

Indeed, not only did they both hit centuries last time out, there’s a chance South Africa will take their eye off the ball on October 9. With a 3-0 lead in the five-game series, the pressure (and possibly incentive) is off, and that could cause South Africa to take their foot off the gas this weekend. If that does happen, the likes of Warner and Smith are more than capable of seizing that opportunity.

11/4 for Warner and 7/2 for Smith being the top Aussie batsman are strong prices from Winner Sports. If leading totals aren’t your thing but you like the look of Warner, Sun Bet’s 5/6 on the Aussie scoring over 32.5 runs is certainly tempting.

Of course, if you’re a neutral and enjoy a coin flip (literally), 10/11 on either side winning the toss over at Ladbrokes should provide a sniff of added excitement before the balls start to fly.