Tag: New Zealand

Black Caps Head to Hamilton Hoping For Salvage Job

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Earlier in the summer when the Black Caps were dispatching Pakistan and Bangladesh plenty of supporters were optimistic about their chances of success against South Africa.

The optimism has proven to be misguided.

The limp Black Caps second innings effort brought back memories of collapses past and illustrated the gulf between the teams – especially when you take Trent Boult and Ross Taylor out of the home side.

Can they save their season and the series in Hamilton?

The Series So Far

A calamity in Wellington has seen the Black Caps slip behind in the series and left facing a series defeat to South Africa for the 6th consecutive series.

From a position of strength early on day two, the Black Caps collapsed spectacularly to lose by 8 wickets. They gave up a 91-run first innings lead even though they reduced the Proteas to 94-6 at one stage, and managed just 171 in their second innings.

The loss followed a first up draw in Dunedin and means New Zealand need to win in Hamilton to salvage a home season that looked promising after wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh but is now bordering on a disappointment.

The Teams

New Zealand

Trent Boult is fit to bolster the bowling stocks. He’s overcome a groin injury, which leaves New Zealand with a tough decision on whether to drop both allrounders (Neesham and de Grandhomme) or Tim Southee again to accommodate a second spinner.

South Africa

There’s no reason to make any changes to the side that won at the Basin Reserve. The only concern for the South Africans will be the form of Stephen Cook who has put together just 17 runs in four digs thus far.

The Key Players

New Zealand

Over the last years, Tom Latham has looked the best test opener in New Zealand, but his horror run of form since Boxing Day has seen Jeet Raval overtake him as the most important man at the top of the New Zealand order. The patient left-hander has two half-centuries in the series thus far and looks a good tip to top score at $5.50. We’d like him to turn those fifties into hundreds, though – like he does at domestic level.

South Africa

Keshav Maharaj has been described as steady, a grinder, a fighter in the press and by his own team in media comments this series, however, influential might be the more appropriate term. It’s not often spinners play a major part in New Zealand test matches, but Maharaj has 13 wickets at 13 in the series even before playing at Hamilton where it’s actually expected to turn. He’s paying $5 to be the top bowler for his side in the first innings.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $6.50

Draw – $1.66

South Africa – $3.20

*All odds from Bet365.

The Prediction and Best Bets

Given the forecast, it’s hard to see anything other than a draw in the final game of the New Zealand summer. While the Black Cap’s Basin Reserve collapse show anything is possible with them involved, it seems a draw is inevitable. The punters and bookies both agree.

Black Caps, Proteas Need Ambition to Break Series Deadlock

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

New Zealand and South Africa head to the Basin Reserve in Wellington with the opportunity to take hold of the test series. With a win here in game two, they’ll make it impossible for their opponents to win and have an excellent chance of taking out the series given the torrential wet weather that’s blanketing most of New Zealand and could threaten game three. They must be positive though to advance a result.

The Series So Far

Dunedin’s series opener was ruined by final day rain just as things were getting tense. With a small lead of just 140 and 4 wickets in hand, the South Africans would’ve needed some decent rearguard action to set New Zealand a challenging total. It wasn’t to be, and a draw was betting of a game that neither team dominated or took by the scruff of the neck – the Black Caps had their chances but grassed two many catches and used DRS poorly.

New Zealand looked to have a better batting unit (Dean Elgar aside), whereas, South Africa looked more threatening with the ball, which could point to another close one in Wellington.

The Teams

New Zealand (probable):

1 Tom Latham, 2 Jeet Raval, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Neil Broom, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 James Neesham, 9 Neil Wagner, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent Boult

I don’t think Jeetan Patel will play again this series, even though he’s guaranteed to get at least two wickets in the match (de Kock x2). Instead, Santner will be preferred and Tim Southee will return to strengthen the pace bowling stocks. Neil Broom will replace the injured Ross Taylor, and Trent Boult is still under an injury cloud.

South Africa (probable):

1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Kagiso Rabada

Unlikely to make changes, as spinner Dane Piedt is still awaiting a visa. He’s a chance to play in Hamilton where the pitch is expected to offer help to the slow bowlers.

The Key Players

New Zealand

Without his other senior contributor Ross Taylor, and not being able to rely on the woefully out of form, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson will be required to do exactly what he did in game one. The captain scored a quality century in trying conditions to lead the way. He’s a great chance of repeating given his record in Wellington – at the Basin, he averages 79.9 with 3 hundreds and 3 fifties.

South Africa

Dean Elgar’s monumental effort in Dunedin is reflective of his renewed confidence at test level. After a pair on debut (at the hands of Mitchell Johnson), Elgar has come of age of late and now has more test centuries than half centuries – a fantastic effort from an opener. His double of 140 and 89 was exactly what his side required when they found themselves in trouble early in both innings in Dunedin.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $3.40

Draw – $4.25

South Africa – $1.90

*All odds from Bet365.

The Prediction

The weather forecast is again looking okay despite some horror weather in NZ of late. That said, the flat surface may mean another draw is on the cards. In order for it to happen Elgar needs to bat forever again and the Black Caps will need to show some mettle without Ross Taylor.

The Best Bets

Henry Nicholls has had some success against South Africa and looks at crazy money for a specialist batsman to top score. He’s worth the $8 being offered at Bet365.

Philander will enjoy the conditions at the Basin Reserve and performed well last time he played there. Strongly consider him to be top bowl at $3.40.

Black Caps Look Set to Send Bangladesh Home Winless

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Bangladesh’s final match of their New Zealand tour at Hagley Oval is their last chance to take a win off the home side. It looks pretty unlikely though after they blew their chance in the first test after posting 595 in the first innings. A tour that has so far promised much but delivered little is likely to finish 8-0 to the Black Caps on account of the Bangladesh confidence being pretty low after squandering a nice chance in several games. Add to that a desire to get back home and it appears the Christchurch test will go the same way as the every other game between the two sides this summer. We’d love to be proven wrong, though; we’d also love to see an end to the short pitched bowling attack New Zealand so often employs.

The Series So Far

Game one was an instant classic. The draw looked likely for the first three days on account of Bangladesh’s record first innings score, however, a late day four panic, injuries to key players and some exceptional Mitchell Santner spell of bowling confined Bangladesh to another test defeat. The game had everything test cricket needs: runs, wickets, multiple storylines (short pitched bowling and concussion rules as applied to Neil Wagner and Shakib Al Hasan; Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson race to Martin Crowe’s century record). The Black Caps ultimately won by six wickets, chasing down 217 with 17 overs to spare

New Zealand accordingly leads the two test series one nil as it heads to Christchurch.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely):

1 Jeet Raval, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Henry Nicholls , 6 Colin de Grandhomme, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Lockie Ferguson / Neil Wagner, 11 Trent Boult

The only change being contemplated in the Black Caps set-up is swapping out Neil Wagner or Tim Southee for Lockie Ferguson. The change adds impetus to a bowling unit that struggled to take wickets in the first innings in game one. Ferguson’s raw pace could scare a Bangladeshi unit struggling against the short ball and help the Black Caps take twenty wickets much quicker than they achieved at the Basin Reserve.

Bangladesh (likely):

1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Sabbir Rahman, 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Mehedi Hasan, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Taskin Ahmed

With Mushfiqur Rahman out of the test with a finger injury/concussion concerns, Nurul Hasan will make his test debut, just as he did in the ODI series earlier in the tour. While Mishfiqur is a massive loss, the addition of Mistafizur after the crafty left armer was given a rest for the first game in Wellington provides Bangladesh a massive boost.

The Key Players

New Zealand

The Black Caps don’t play a whole lot more test cricket this year. Sure, they host South Africa later in the summer, but then their attention turns towards limited overs cricket in England for the Champions Trophy. One player who therefore needs to take every chance he can get to solidify his place in the side is Henry Nicholls. Nicholls made 53 in the first innings in game one but never really looked assured. His innings summed up his career thus far: some potential, plenty of nerves and some glaring technical deficiencies. Time in the middle will help correct or mould all three of these traits and Nicholls must score runs to secure his long-term future.

Bangladesh

Without Mishfiqur, Shakib Al Hasan shapes up as the most important player in the tourist’s side. The world-class all round compiled a polished fifty in the first game but needs to turn that into a big hundred here in game two if his side is to have a chance. Shakib does need to be careful not to get too loose attacking the short ball. He appeared to get too hyped up flailing at the short stuff and needs to be more composed; picking the appropriate ball to go after.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.25

Bangladesh – $15

Draw – $5.50

*All odds courtesy of Bet365.

The Prediction

Bangladesh’s spirit may be broken after the devastating loss in game one. After dominating the opening two days the tourists were left red-faced in their second innings as they succumbed to nerves and injuries. It’s hard to see them bounce back from the defeat, so we’re predicting a big win for the Black Caps.

The Best Bets

Shakib Al Hasan looks good money to top score at $5. His first test double century (just the third double century scored by a Bangladeshi batsman) was all class and given the rest of his competition (within his team) are either injured, wounded or desperately out of form.

With two strings to his bow and both of them at their best at present, Mitchell Santner is a nice tip for Man of the Match honours. Santner scored runs in Wellington (despite not looking that comfortable against the short ball) and took wickets (second innings only), and could be a threat on a Hagley Oval pitch that should be pretty similar to the one served up at the Basin. He’s paying $15 to be Man of the Match.

Bangladesh Seek Improved Showing; NZ a Series Win

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The New Zealand, Bangladesh ODI series moves to Nelson, to a pitch expected to be slower and lower than the Christchurch opener, and thus suit the slow bowling nous of the Bangladesh side. The slower pitch could also counteract the New Zealand short bowling tactic that was employed extensively in game one but made for boring viewing.

Here’s hoping for a closer game in Nelson, one that’s not dominated by bouncers:

The Series So Far

The Black Caps took game one in Christchurch by 77 runs after Tom Latham and Colin Munro took the game away from the Bangladeshis late in the first innings. Latham made 137 and Munro 87 to carry New Zealand to 341, which proved to be far too good. Bangladesh showed they wouldn’t fall over, but in the end, New Zealand’s sustained short bowling tactic managed to find their opponents fall short.

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 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent Boult

New Zealand is unlikely to make changes to the side that comfortably won game one. Tim Southee and Trent Boult are being rested later in the series so expect them to play again at the expense of Matt Henry and Colin de Grandhomme.

Bangladesh (likely):

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

With Mushfiqur Rahman out of the series with a hamstring injury, Nurul Hasan will don the gloves. He’s likely to be joined by either Mehedi Hasan or Tanbir Hayde, either of which could replace the at risk Soumya Sarkar.

The Key Players

New Zealand

Given he’s only played three one-day internationals, it seems a little odd to be highlighting Lockie Ferguson, but New Zealand’s obvious tactic to bowl short at the Bangladeshi batsman means Ferguson is a critical cog in the Black Caps game plan. The right armer will be asked to bowl fast, short and threatening and when he does, he’s a chance to take a fist full of wickets.

Bangladesh

Without Mishfiqur, Shakib Al Hasan shapes up as the most important player in the tourist’s side. The world-class all round compiled a polished fifty in the first game but needs to turn that into a big hundred here in game two if his side is to have a chance. Shakib does need to be careful not to get too loose attacking the short ball. He appeared to get too hyped up flailing at the short stuff and needs to be more composed; picking the appropriate ball to go after.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.16

Bangladesh – $5

*All odds courtesy of Bet365.

The Prediction

Maybe not quite as dominant as they were in Nelson, but we’re still expecting another New Zealand win. The lower wicket will play to Bangladesh’s hands, which will make it closer, but not close enough to be an upset. New Zealand by four wickets or 30 runs.

The Best Bets

Colin Munro has already proven to be a handful for the Bangladeshi bowlers and there are not many New Zealand grounds that can contain him. He’s paying $8 to top score and he doesn’t need many balls to achieve that.

Shakib’s at $5.50 to top score for the tourists. He was good for some money in game one where we backed him to score fifty. Shakib top scoring could be on the cards.

If you’re looking for lower odds but something closer to unbackable, try Tim Southee scoring less than 41.5. He doesn’t have a hope of scoring that and it’s paying $1.83.

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.

 

 

Four Nations Defending Champions May Struggle to Keep Pace

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

New Zealand’s chances of defending their Four Nations rugby league title are looking seriously slim after the exit of long-term coach Stephen Kearney and a heavy warm-up loss to Australia. Here’s a look at all the teams involved and their chances:

Australia

Strengths: As far as spines go, the Australian set up is incredible. Smith, Cronk, Thurston and Boyd are all NRL premiership winners, and when they play together they are nigh on impossible to get the better of.

All are consummate professionals who pride themselves on error free play, quality decision-making and high involvement. Add Greg Inglis to the mix, and it’s hard to fathom how any side will beat them.

Weaknesses: It’s very hard to find weaknesses in a squad that features the likes of the above. But in Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan, together making up the right-hand edge of the Australian backline, they have two hot or cold players that have struggled to make an impact at test level. The duo was dreadful against the Kiwis considering the amount of ball they had, and completely failed to exploit Solomone Kata on his NZ debut.

Star Turn: At just 21 yeas of age, Cronulla Sharks flyer Valentine Holmes is only just beginning his NRL and Test career. However, the influence the fleet-footed winger can have on the tournament stretches far beyond his relative inexperience. After making a promising debut, including a try, in the warm-up match against the Kiwis, Holmes is poised to set the tournament alight with his skill and speed.

The only possible saving grace for opposition teams is if Mal Meninga can’t find room for Holmes once Josh Mansour returns to the squad after missing the warm-up match because of his wedding.

Odds: $1.60 at Palmerbet.

Predicted Finish: Australia to win it. There is just too little chance that all of them have an off game on the same day.

New Zealand

Strengths: Big and mobile forward packs have always been part of the Kiwis game. 2016 is no different. The Kiwis pack boasts the likes of Dally M Medal winner Jason Taumalolo, NRL Prop of the Year Jesse Bromwich, and the reliable Melbourne Storm backrowers Tohu Harris and Kevin Procter. As a result, the Kiwis should get plenty of metres and go-forward out of their big men.

Weaknesses: The warm-up loss to Australia revealed a number of chinks in the New Zealand armour.

Johnson’s fifth tackle plays have been criticised heavily. Rightfully so too; the flamboyant number 7 struggled to kick in general play, and often tried to force the issue with last tackle attacking raids that his outside men weren’t on board with.

Opposition teams will be wise to exploit the weak defence of Kenny-Dowall’s right edge (made worse with Simon Mannering’s withdrawal from the tournament), while the Kiwis back three might also struggle to gain yards deep in their own half.

Look out for Kidwell opting for young gun Te Maire Martin rather than the ineffective Lewis Brown in the utility role.

Discipline is probably worth a mention here too.

Star Turn: One of the standouts in the Kiwis warm up game was Martin Taupau. Coming off the bench, the Manly powerhouse had 129 metres for 10 carries to go with five tackle busts, to easily be New Zealand’s best on the night. Coming off the bench gives Taupau an opportunity to make a seriously meaningful impact.

Odds: $4 is the best offer on NZ, from Ladbrokes.

Predicted Finish: The Kiwis haven’t always travelled to the UK well. Most recently they lost a bilateral series in 2015. They’re also still familiarising themselves with a new coaching structure, as well as missing key players (Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Mannering). They might struggle to make the final this year. 3rd.

England

Strengths: New coach Wayne Bennet has a tricky task ensuring his team are equipped to compete with the Kangaroos and Kiwis. It’s made manageable playing on home soil. It’s made believable thanks to the powerful forward pack he has at his disposal. Josh Hodgson, Sam and George Burgess, James Graham and Elliot Whitehead all NRL-experienced, and all (save for George maybe) are coming off excellent seasons.

Weaknesses: Gareth Widdop’s poor year in the NRL this season could worry the hosts, however, a bigger worry is probably the lack of big game experience. They haven’t made many tournament finals of late and gave up a late last minute try to the Kiwis in the most recent World Cup. The lack of experience and big game mettle could hurt them in the key stages.

Star Turn: Take away injury and suspension, and Canberra rake Hodgson may have been the first English winner of the NRL’s prestigious Dally M Medal this season. As it was, Hodgson finished eight points behind the winners but was arguably more influential for his team’s run to the finals.

Odds: $5.50 looks great money from Bet365. LuxBet also has an option on an Australia / England final at an attractive $2.30.

Predicted Finish: 2nd.

Scotland

Strengths: The ultimate underdogs will struggle to win a game in their first ever Four Nations. The squad looks too light on paper to scare any of the three heavyweights. If they are to get anywhere near, they’ll need the kicking game of former Man of Steel, Danny Brough, or the NRL expertise of Aitken, Coote, Douglas and Linnet.

Weaknesses: Not so much of a weakness as a simple reality – they are playing the three best nations in world rugby league.

Star Turn: Lachlan Coote isn’t in the powerful mould of Inglis, nor does he have the speed of a James Tedesco, but he is very clever. Essentially, he’s another half. With a tremendous short kicking game and an unparalleled rugby league brain, the Cowboys number is a tremendous boost to the tournament rookies.

Odds: Not really worth mentioning, but you’ll get 500/1 at most bookies.

Predicted Finish: Can’t see them winning a game. Last.

Four Nations kicks off this Friday, October 28th.