Tag: New Zealand

Cricket: New Zealand expected to wrap up series in game six

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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

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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

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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: NZ favourites in seven match series

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Seven matches can tend to drag on.  The hope is that this series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka won’t suffer from the same fate because of its proximity to the Cricket World Cup beginning in February.  Teams will tinker with line-ups, change Powerplay tactics, and generally familiarise themselves with the conditions they will face in the upcoming showpiece.  Those maths make the series an exciting prospect, and given New Zealand’s recent form it should be well patronised by a supporting public.

The Last Time These Two Met

The teams drew a three match series (one was washed out) in November 2013 in the sub-continent, but history shouldn’t count for much after the surprising two-nil result in the test series and the likelihood of significant rotation of the personnel used in this series.  If anything, the teams form in their respective past series give a better reflection of the expected evens; Sri Lanka beat England at home and New Zealand beat Pakistan away. 

The Teams

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

Tim Southee and Ross Taylor have been rested for the first match which allows Tom Latham and Grant Elliot to battle it out in the middle order for the final World Cup spot.  Trent Boult returns to limited overs cricket for the first time in a while, meaning McClenaghan and Milne will in all probability compete for the third seamer role.

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/ Dhammika Prasad, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal

Dilshan and Jayawardene provide a much needed boost to the Sri Lankan squad.  Their presence will undoubtedly raise the belief of the team; something that is much needed after the test defeats.  Karunaratne may get a chance to open, so Mahela will have to move down the order to accommodate him.  Perara, Kulasekara and Senanayake (and possibly Mendis) are also available.

The Key Players

Corey Anderson – The all-rounder is still riding the coattails of his record-breaking hundred in Queenstown some 12 months ago.  Since then he’s struggled to reach those lofty heights and has struggled for runs in most forms of the game.  The big but though is that New Zealand wickets and small grounds suit his play, Hagley could be where he rediscovers his mojo.

Lahiru Thirimanne – A key piece in the Sri Lanka’s World Cup armoury the stylish left hander found some form in the Wellington test and will be hoping to continue it in his middle order role.  He’s at $7.50 to top score if you willing to take the risk of a middle order play getting enough overs to outscore the others.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.59

Sri Lanka – $2.35

The Series Odds*

New Zealand – $1.40

Sri Lanka – $2.95

*International Cricket odds courtesy of Luxbet.

The Prediction

New Zealand were devastating with the bat when they batted in Christchurch in the test series.  Brendon McCullum’s fond memories will assist his return to the top of the order and will set the scene for a close win.

Cricket: Williamson and Watling instigate turnaround win

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As far as come from behind victories go, this could easily top the list.  For once, New Zealand’s Black Caps battled back from certain defeat to register an improbable comeback win over Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve after falling dangerously behind on the first innings, and further behind half way through their second innings.

Instead of collapsing to a limp second innings total and surrendering a series lead, the little pair of Kane Williamson and BJ Watling added 365 runs, in 111.3 overs, over an entire day’s play (in terms of balls faced) to completely transform a match that was in Sri Lanka’s favour for almost every period prior.

There may have been an argument that the Black Caps had some control at 141/2 in the first innings with Williamson and Ross Taylor at the crease, however, they both fell, for 69 and 32 respectively, and both to inside edges as Sri Lanka rampaged their way through the tail to limit NZ to just 221.  The Sri Lankan seamers, led by Nuwan Pradeep, bounced back from the criticism they received in Christchurch with a nice display on surface that did not help as much as predicted.

Just as quickly though Sri Lanka returned the momentum to NZ by collapsing themselves to 78/5 at stumps on day one.  This was the second of many shifts in dominance in the test and it wasn’t the last.  Day two brought with it another surprise and am absolute gem of an effort from Kumar Sangakkara.  He started the day as the key wicket, and handled the responsibility admirably as he expertly shepherded the tail to ensure his side achieved a healthy lead.  In the process he scored 203, including his 12,000th test run.

While the lead was only 135, it was looking exceedingly better than that when the Black Caps suffered from a classic case of the middle order collapse disease they have so often been affected by.  At 159/5 they were effectively just 24 runs in credit and five wickets down; they shouldn’t have won.

The epic unbroken partnership beat the record – only recently set by Brendon McCullum and Watling at the same ground against India last year (McCullum’s 300) – for the highest sixth wicket partnership in all of cricket.  Williamson (242*) made his first double hundred despite gifting upwards of five chances to the fielding team, and Watling (142*) inched his way to a fourth test century.

The partnership also deflated the Sri Lankans.  They spent 172 overs in the field (almost two full days) and were understandably tired as they began a hefty fourth innings chase of 390.  It was inevitably too much for them; bowled out in the second session for 196.  Lahiru Thirimanne got most of those, his 62* a welcome return to form for a key member of the ODI squad and World Cup plans.  Mark Craig continue his rapid ascent in the cricketing stocks by taking 4-53; performing a spinners key fourth innings role diligently.

Kane Williamson was man of the match.  If you need reasons – the first innings, second innings, and a screamer to dismiss Angelo Matthews in SL’s second dig.

ODI’s next.  Starting in Christchurch on 11 January.

New Zealand 221 (Williamson 69, Pradeep 4-63) and 524 for 5 dec (Williamson 242*, Watling 142*) beat Sri Lanka 356 (Sangakkara 203, Chandimal 67) and 196 (Thirimanne 62*, Craig 4-63) by 193 runs