Tag: Cricket

Cricket: One-dayers a chance to separate sides

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Rounding out a long tour for the New Zealand cricket team is a five match ODI series in which both sides will continue to look for World Cup momentum.  Especially for Pakistan, this series is the best opportunity to tinker with line-ups and settle on a game plan that will transfer easily to the pitches and grounds of NZ.  One of the tactics will be the continue used of wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed at the top of the order.  Since the days of Kamran Akmal, Pakistan are used to their keeper taking up a spot in the top three, and if Sarfraz’s T20 form is anything to go by, this could be a permanent spot for the destructive right hander.

The Last Time These Two Met

The Test and T20 series’ between the two have been drawn so fans will be hoping for something a little more decisive in the one day series.  In both formats NZ have fallen behind after game one only to rest initiative back in subsequent matches.  Bookmaker.com have understandably listed Pakistan as favourites.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely): 1 Anton Devcich, 2 Kane Williamson (capt), 3 Dean Brownlie, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk), 7 James Neesham, 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 Adam Milne/Nathan McCullum, 10 and 11 Matt Henry/Kyle Mills/Mitchell McClenaghan

Martin Guptil is unavailable for the Black Caps.  Corey Anderson will be assessed closer to game time, and I’ve bracketed every bowler in the squad because of the wealth of options available to the NZ selection panel.

Pakistan (likely): 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Mohammad Hafeez, 3 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk) , 4 Younis Khan, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Umar Gul, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Zulfiqar Babar, 11 Mohammad Irfan

Umar Gul could play his first one day international cricket since March after a strong showing in the second T20 contest.

The Key Players

Ross Taylor – Aside from some strong performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore in early IPL editions, Taylor has struggled for T20 cricket runs.  He is much more comfortable in the one day game where he can pace himself and anchor an innings, so will look fondly upon the start of the one day series.  After just one notable innings in the test series and two failures in the T20 series NZ will be looking to their former captain for big runs.  He’s paying $4.50 to top score.

Mohammad Hafeez – How Hafeez deals with a bowling ban makes for an interesting aside to the series opener.  The all-rounder has been handed down a suspension until he remedies his action, and despite not considering himself much of a bowler, he will still need to ensure he’s in the right head space to continue to make runs at the top of the order.  Despite the potentially impairment, Bookmaker.com.au has him at

The Odds*

Pakistan – $1.53

New Zealand– $2.50

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Bookmaker.com.au.

The Prediction

It’s very hard to look past Pakistan.  They are loving a game one win against the Black Caps.  But if I was feeling lucky I would have a cheeky bet on New Zealand winning the series at $3.25.

Cricket: Sri Lanka restore two game lead with well-timed chase

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The result seemed inevitable throughout much of the game, however, the closeness of the finish was slightly unexpected.  After England made a total that, to the majority of critics, was twenty runs below par, the classy Sri Lankan lynchpins guided a chase effortlessly but didn’t quite close it out until two balls to spare.

Kumar Sangakkara (84) led most of the chase for 266 and it seemed likely he would go on to register a 20th international ODI cricket century.  His surprise exit though, sent a few ripples through the local batsmen; needing captain Angelo Matthews (51*) to steer them home, and in the process record a half-century of his own.

The win, Sri Lanka’s third of the cricket series, was finally delivered by Matthews and Lahiru Thirimanne who enjoyed a stand of 53 that reinforced the good work of Sangakkare and Mahela Jayawardene (44).

In all honesty Sri Lanaka should have been chasing more than 266.  England overcame the early loss of Alex Hales (0) to find themselves in a strong position at 164/3 at the beginning of the batting power play.  That proved the downfall for England who then failed to press on and put the game beyond doubt.  18 from the bat of Eoin Morgan was needed off Tillakaratne Dilshan’s final over just to make the target competitive.  The return to form for Eoin Morgan was one of the bright spots for England.  We anticipated / hoped for his return to form earlier in the week.

The other bright spot was undoubtedly the innings of diminutive right hander James Taylor (90).  After a two year one day cricket hiatus and a nervy start, Taylor settled in for an excellent knock where he manipulated the field nicely and challenged the bowlers to find a length that fit his small stature.  Amongst his and Morgan’s efforts Joe Root added a useful 36 but the others failed to find a suitable scoring method off the stifling Sri Lankan spin.  Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes in particular continue to look like fish out of water against spin.

Looking more comfortable against the spin of Moeen Ali and Joe Root is the entire Sri Lankan order.  Even the short of runs Kusal Perrera (31)  was able to find some form.  They’re also not struggling against seam either.  Steven Finn continues to struggle and only Chris Jordan (2-35) was penetrating in these Colombo conditions.

Significant improvement is needed from England when cricket returns for game 5.  While publicly they will claim they are still in the series, they’re not, and the remaining games will mainly be used to test top order combinations when Alastair Cook’s returns.

England are now at $13 to win the series at Bet365.  A 6-1 series score is at $3.50.

Sri Lanka 267 for 4 (Sangakkara 86, Mathews 51*) beat England 265 (Taylor 90, Morgan 62, Herath 3-36) by six wickets

Cricket: Cook’s ban a blessing in disguise?

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As far as one match cricket bans go Alastair Cook’s is actually quite convenient.  The captain has been forced to sit the fourth match of the one day series against Sri Lanka out after a slow over rate, but England fans may see a silver lining in the unfortunate ban.  Firstly, Cook’s exit gives Eoin Morgan a chance to lead the side.  He’s in desperate need of some form with the blade and the hope is that the added responsibility will allow him to play with the type of accountability that will also bring runs.  The second hope is that the Alex Hales and Moeen Ali at the top of the order will bring a far greater early impetus and set the the tone for a positive approach and a big total.

The Last Time These Two Met

England recorded a much needed win the last time the two sides met.  Joe Buttler and Joe Root crafted a superbly timed chase to beat the rain and the Sri Lankans.  If the visitors fell 3-0 behind the series would have lost all of its appeal, therefore, the win was vital for keeping the Barmy Army full of voice.  England will look to build on the game three win, and level the series on a dry and dusty pitch Colombo surface.

The Teams

Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Kusal Perera, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Jeevan Mendis, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Dhammika Prasad, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Ajantha Mendis

Jayawardene should return in a straight swap for Kandamby in the only change for Sri Lanka.  Although some thought might be given to dropping Ajantha Mendis after his spin was destroyed at Hambantota.

England (likely): 1 Moeen Ali, 2 Alex Hales, 3 James Taylor, 4 Joe Root, 5 Ravi Bopara, 6 Eoin Morgan (capt), 7 Jos Buttler (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 James Tredwell, 11 Steven Finn

James Taylor and Ian Bell (fitness permitting) will battle it out for the number three spot in Cook’s absence.  First class phenomenon Taylor deserves the chance after piling on runs in all forms of cricket over the past few years.  James Tredwell could also return at Ben Stokes’ expense.

The Key Players

Tillakaratne Dilshan – The all-rounder has already won a man of the match award after his performance in game one.  He’s also threatened with both bat and ball to do it again.  Look for the 38 year old to have a big impact on this one too.  BetEasy have him at $4.50 to top score.

Joe Root – David Warner’s punching bag is already a shoe-in for Englands World Cup Cricket squad.  The right hander is a stable of the middle order, and also provides a useful parti time bowling option in these spin friendly conditions.  Scores of 2, 42 and 48* could mean he’s improving in each innings and could go big in this one.  Jump on him at $6.20 with BetEasy.

The Odds*

Sri Lanka – $1.54

England – $2.48

*International Cricket odds courtesy of BetEasy.

The Prediction

The dry conditions will not suit the England side that traditionally struggle against accurate spin bowling.  Nevertheless, the odds offered for this one are too good to overlook.  Expect England to sneak another win in unlikely circumstances.

Cricket: NZ level series with narrow win

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Just like the test series, New Zealand bounced back from a first up defeat, to square the Twenty20 Cricket series against Pakistan.  After falling to a six wicket first up loss, New Zealand strangled the Pakistan batsmen to defend their rather lowly 140/4, eventually bowling out Pakistan for 127.

Anton Devcich was the hero for the Black Caps.  The bit part cricketer showed his prowess with both bat and ball to claim the man of the match award.  He scored 21 with the bat and took 2-16 in a display that significantly heightens his chances of featuring in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.

Earlier, a slow pitch made things challenging for all the batsmen with no one from either side topping 33.  In New Zealand’s dig Kane Williamson (32), Tom Latham (26), and Luke Ronchi (31) were the main contributors; Ronchi particularly proving effective, striking at 163 including 20 from a Shahid Afridi over.  Of the Pakistan bowlers Umar Gul was the most impressive.  Returning to cricket for the first time since April the lanky seamer returned 2-24 from his 4 overs, cementing his position as one of the finest bowlers in T20 cricket.

Attempting the very gettable chase, Pakistan were faced with Devcich’s spin from the opening over and struggled to get the ball away., and they stuttered to 24-3.  However with Ahmed Shehzad at the crease and the likes of Umar Akmal and Afridi to come the target was always within reach.  Even with 39 required off 18 the task looked possible, and when Jimmy Neesham sent down the worst over of the match (conceding 15 from the first 5 balls) it looked almost assured.  But the final ball was telling, Afridi nicked a short ball from Neesham to Ronchi to curtail the chase and deprive the fans of a gripping finale.

Another split series means the one-day cricket series will have to be used to split the sides.  World Cup tinkering will also be on the agenda, as will monitoring the injuries of Corey Anderson and Martin Guptill.

New Zealand 144 for 8 (Williamson 32, Ronchi 31, Gul 2-24) beat Pakistan 127 (Shehzad 33, Afridi 28, Mills 3-26, Neesham 3-25) by 17 runs.

Cricket: Pakistan too strong in series opener

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Pakistan proved far too good for an under-strength New Zealand side in the first of two back to back Twenty20 International Cricket matches.  New Zealand’s decision to rest captain Brendon McCullum; and seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee backfired as Pakistan easily chased down a mediocre target of 136.

New Zealand’s effort to set an imposing total was under immediate threat as they fell to 15-3 when Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, and Anton Devcich were all dismissed inside three overs.  Repair work was performed by Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi.  Anderson in particular looked to have NZ back on track for a respectable target after making his way to 48 with four 6s.  Unfortunately, his and New Zealand’s momentum was cut short when he fell looking for a fifth maximum and the Black Caps managed just 135 from their 20 overs.

Sarfraz Ahmed expertly guided Pakistans response.  The wicketkeeper made 76 not out from just 64 balls and was involved in the crucial 43 run partnership with Umar Akmal that saw them home.  Of the New Zealand attack only seamers Mitchell McClenaghan (4-21-1) and Adam Milne (4-18-0) displayed any semblance of a threat in what was otherwise a sensible and measured cricket innings.

We thought the positivity of the test series might flow through NZ’s cricket into this match so we gave them a chance to upset Pakistan here, but it will be hard to back them for game two which is played tomorrow.  As always after suffering a defeat, NZ will look to bounce back while Pakistan will be seeking to further destroy NZ’s confidence before the one day cricket series begins.  NZ need runs from Taylor and Guptill, and wickets rather than cheap overs from their spinners Nathan McCullum and Devcich to support the fine work of their pace attack.

Pakistan simply need more of the same.  They’ll be hoping for more crease time for Sarfraz, Awais Zia and Haris Sohail, but a 2-0 win will be consolation if not.

Game Two Odds

New Zealand $2.3

Pakistan $1.62

Cricket odds courtesy of Sportingbet Australia

Game Two Predictions 

Flipping a coin will be about as successful as following our predictions.  This could go either way.  But once again go with New Zealand to hit the most sixes.  Those leg side slogging Kiwis…

Cricket: Hit and Giggle gives NZ youngsters a chance

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Resting and rotation are sacrilegious words in New Zealand sport after disastrous Rugby World Cup efforts in 2003 and 2007. However, the New Zealand cricket team has opted for exactly that by resting Brendon McCullum, Trent Boult and Tim Southee. This has immediately seen their odds worsen amongst bookmaekrs. Rotation does though allow for a lot of tinkering and testing. New Zealand will get to check the progress of both speed merchant Adam Milne and beard merchant Anton Devcich who have been drafted into the squad for those leaving.

Pakistan will not underestimate their opposition. They too are looking to incorporate new faces into their squad. Although these aren’t exactly ‘new faces’ rather than old faces rejoining the squad for the first time. Umar Gul has been injured for long periods, Wahab Riaz returns, as does Ahmed Shehzad who was last sighted suffering a frightening head injury.

The transition from test cricket to T20 cricket will be even more fascinating for the inclusion of a host of new faces.

The Last Time These Two Met

Notwithstanding the recent drawn test series, the sides most recently met in a T20 cricket match in 2012 during the ICC World Twenty20. In that game Pakistan won by 13 runs.   They also lea the overall head to head 6-3.

The Teams

Pakistan (likely): 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Awais Zia, 3 Mohammad Hafeez, 4 Saad Nasim, 5 Umar Akmal, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 7 Shahid Afridi (capt), 8 Anwar Ali/Umar Gul, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Raza Hasan, 11 Mohammad Irfan

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

The Key Players

Umar Akmal – At his best Akmal is a destructive middle order dasher capable of taking any international cricket attack apart. Conversely, at his worst he is terrible. He has failed to register a half-century in his last 11 first class innings. Pakistan will be hoping the best comes out against NZ as it did on test debut when he scored 129 and 75.

Kane Williamson – Captaining the side in McCullum’s absence will be a challenging prospect for the top order batsmen, but with former captains Daniel Vettori, Ross Taylor and Kyle Mills to help out, he should have all the support he needs. Williamson will be hoping the leadership doesn’t get in the way of his run scoring that peaked at the recent Champions League T20 Cricket Tournament.

The Odds*

Pakistan – $1.62

New Zealand – $2.25

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Ladbrokes Australia.

The Prediction

This is crazy good money for New Zealand. The Kiwi’s are quality limited overs crickets. The following are all reasons why we’re predicting them to prevail: fielding, Vettori’s economical four overs, Six hitting from Taylor, Anderson, Neesham, Guptill and Ronchi.

Actually put money on NZ to hit the most sixes ($1.83) too.