Tag: Cricket

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: West Indies seek respite from rampant hosts

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The West Indies are battered, bruised and suffering an alright AB de Villiers inflicted cricketing hangover.  Conceding 439 is always bad, giving up another fastest ODI hundred (they were the opposing team when Corey Anderson set the previous best) is worse.  Both factors mean the West Indies need inspiration and need it fast if they are to compete in game two of the ODI series.

This sounds unusual for West Indies cricket, but given their current make-up, they will welcome the slower conditions at Port Elizabeth.  They might also be saved from another onslaught if the predicted rain eventuates.

The Last Time These Two Met

The match belonged to de Villiers.  de Villiers made an incredible 149 off just 44 balls; in the process breaking Corey Anderson’s record for the fastest ODI century of all time.  de Villiers bullied his way to nine 4’s and sixteen 6’s.  His innings went like this: 4,2,1,1,4,6,4,6,6,.,2,2,lb,1,6,6,6,4,6,1,4,1,1,.,4,4,.,6,4,6,6.  He helped his side amass 439, of which Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw also made hundreds.  Incredibly they butchered the chance of posting the highest team score ever in ODI cricket by scoring just 3 from the final over.  The West Indies made 291 – the best score of the series for them thus far – but never threatened the target.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Rilee Rossouw, 3 Faf du Plessis 4 AB de Villiers (capt & wk), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 David Miller, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

Wrap the series up first and tinker with the side afterwards.  South Africa will probably stick with the status quo before tinkering later in the series with the ranking points well and truly wrapped up.

West Indies (likely):  1. Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Lendl Simmons/Leon Johnson, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Jonathan Carter, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Darren Sammy, 9 Jason Holder (capt), 10 Jerome Taylor/Sheldon Cottrell, 11 Sulieman Benn

We have previously suggested the West Indies should consider Lendl Simmons, now they have no choice.  While there bowling took plenty of punishment in game three, the batting still needs to be improved – especially at the top.  Jerome Taylor was one of those bowlers who got destroyed in Johannesburg so he might be due a rest and Sheldon Cottrell given a chance.

The Key Players

Farhaan Behardien – He may not be in line for a huge amount of cricket in the World Cup, but if called upon South African fans will want to be able to believe in him in crunch times.  Instances like game two don’t really help his cause, and while he’ll have a huge amount of pad rash, he won’t have much else to show for it.  He needs time in the middle and may play an important role in game three if he gets it.

Sulieman Benn – The lanky spinner was one of the first to tip his cap to de Villers after the outstanding knock, but in truth, he deserved some credit too.  Benn conceded just 49 from his ten overs (in amongst RPO’s such as 10 for Jason Holder and 17 for Dwayne Smith), to easily be the best West Indies bowler.  With his quicks going the distance, Benn will need to be at his wily best to stop the host’s batsman.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.24

West Indies – $4.10

*Courtesy of Sportsbet Australia.

The Prediction

Wow the money on the West Indies is good.  But with a highest score of just 64 in the series from their batsman it’s hard to see them winning games, unless of course, Chris Gayle comes off.  That’s effectively what you’re doing if you bet on West Indies here. So you may as well go for the Chris Gayle to top score / West Indies win combo paying $11.00.

But, South Africa should win again.  Too strong in every aspect and taking their World Cup preparations seriously.

The Longshot 

Rilee Rossouw to double up and score 50 in game two – $3.33

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: West Indies need to adjust to pace ahead of 2nd ODI

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The change of pace from T20 cricket to ODI cricket did not suit the West Indies in game one of their ODI series against South Africa, proving the longer the format the harder it is to sustain their entertaining but reckless form of cricket.

The longer format brought about a 61-run Duckworth-Lewis loss, and in reality exposed a widening chasm between the two teams.  Game two at Wanderers could highlight the gap again with the surface offering pace and bounce, and the outfield supposedly quick.  Expect plenty of runs, but also expect the change in pace (both format and pitch) to factor against the tourists.

The Last Time These Two Met

After a T20 series that hinted at a new level of competitiveness between the teams, South Africa emptied the weapon cache and thrashed the West Indies in game one.  Calling on their most experienced players South Africa accumulated 279 in their 50 overs; mainly thanks to half centuries from Hashim Amla, AB de Villers and David Miller.  In reply, West Indies folded to just 164 with Tahir, Philander an Steyn taking three wickets each.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Rilee Rossouw, 3 Faf du Plessis 4 AB de Villiers (capt & wk), 5 David Miller, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Farhaan Behardien, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

Probably no cause for changes in the South African’s top side unless they intend to manage workloads.  Morne van Wyk, Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell will likely be left on the sidelines.

West Indies (likely): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Leon Johnson, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Jonathan Carter/Lendl Simmons, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Darren Sammy, 9 Jason Holder (capt), 10 Jerome Taylor, 11 Sulieman Benn

The West Indies might need to find room for Lendl Simmons to bolster the batting.  Despite previewing him below, Jonathan Carter might miss out if that’s the case.

The Key Players

Hashim Amla – Once boxed as a test specialist Amla continues to churn out ODI runs for fun against all sides.  His run a ball 66 in game one got him to 5000 ODI runs in just 101 innings, becoming the the fastest in the history of the game.  In doing so, he broke the previous record of 114 innings (Virat Kohli and Viv Richards).  Amazingly, Amla also holds the record for reaching 2000, 3000 and 4000 ODI runs the quickest.

Jonathan Carter – Carter was one of two West Indies players who made the World Cup squad without having played a one day international match.  Sheldon Cottrell was the other, but at least he has some experience in the T20 and test team environment.  Carter has played most of his recent cricket with the A team where he impressed enough to warrant World Cup selection.  He scored an excellent List A hundred against India A, and didn’t look out of place in scoring 17 on debut in game one.  Hopefully he gets a chance again at Wanderers.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.28

West Indies – $3.70

*Courtesy of Palmerbet.

The Prediction

A bet on West Indies is effectively a bet on one of their batsman to score a hundred and win the game on his own.  South Africa are a better complete team and have more people who can contribute.  That’s why they are favourites.  The $3.70 is tempting and the West Indies did chase down 230-odd in a T20 here at Johannesburg the other day.  Even still, we’re going with South Africa by 30 runs or four wickets.

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: South Africa welcome back stars ahead of ODI series

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Twenty20 series scheduling was a little puzzling on account of the World Cup beginning in less than a month.  Sure, the demographic is different and presents a gate-taking opportunity for the hosts (and ICC), but to ensure the highest quality of cricket come the World Cup you would forgive organisers for foregoing T20 cricket until afterwards.

Nevertheless, the play time is over.  Coaches can devise game plans; iron out the kinks.  Players can get down to nailing their World Cup spots down.

The West Indies can complete a series without walking out too, after players association negotiations ruined their last ODI series in India.

The Last Time These Two Met

These two haven’t played too much one day cricket against each other of late.  The last series was in 2010, and the last match – a tie in the 2013 World Cup in Cardiff.  We can’t use historical form as guide then, so we’ll use the just finished T20 series as an indication that this one will be close.

The Teams

South Africa (likely): 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Rilee Rossouw, 3 Faf du Plessis 4 AB de Villiers (capt, wk), 5 JP Duminy 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 David Miller, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

Almost back to a full strength line up after resting a number of stars during the T20 series.  Only Quinton de Kock is unavailable so Rilee Russouw gets an opportunity to open up in his absence.  de Kock’s absence also means both Miller and Behardien play in the middle order, while AB de Villiers will take the gloves.

West Indies (likely): 1 Chris Gayle/Lendl Simmons, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Leon Johnson, 5 Andre Russell, 6 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Jason Holder (capt), 9 Jerome Taylor, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Sheldon Cottrell 

The West Indies are missing both Bravo’s (one of them permanently), and Kieron Pollard, so we assume they’ll need to strengthen the batting line-up with Leon Johnson or Lendl Simmons.  Both might play if Chris Gayle is given another day off.  He is training again after being rested for the final T20 but it’s understandable if the West Indies manage his workload heading into a major tournament.

The Key Players

JP Duminy – Chronic knee problems have badly impacted on Duminy’s ability to forge a lasting legacy in international cricket; a result that seems scarcely believable after his start to domestic and international cricket.  With the World Cup just around the corner and Duminy finally fit, now is the opportunity to turn that around and help his side win an overdue World Cup.  Tonight’s series opener is the perfect time to start the preparations.

Marlon Samuels – For all the talk about Chris Gayle there’s another chap in the West Indies side who does just as much for his team.  Marlon Samuels (when his attitude permits) is a massvie contributor in all three formats of the game.  Before his failure in the final T20 match, his scores in all matches were 33, 17, 101, 43, 74, 41, and 60, illustrating his importance to the side.

The Odds*

South Africa – $1.35

West Indies – $3.20

*Courtesy of Tom Waterhouse.

The Prediction

de Villers believes his side is the best in the world.  He was quoted as saying “I still feel we will be the best team at the World Cup and I can’t wait to go there.”  Who are we to disagree?  South Africa to win.