Tag: Preview

Cricket World Cup: Day 13 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Three Big Questions

Next big upset at the Cup?

See our suggested multi today featuring upsets in both today’s games.  They’re probably more heart than head, so we’re looking at the West Indies as the side most capable of upsetting more favoured opponents.  Their next two matches are against South Africa and India and they could spring a surprise in one or both of those.  In particular, the match against India at the WACA is a great opportunity for their tall timbers to make things uncomfortable for their batsman.

Who is the most frugal bowler in the World Cup so far?

There are a few one games conceding only two runs per over, but of the bowlers who have bowed more than 10 overs, New Zealand’s Danile Vettori leads the way, giving away only 3.03 runs per over.  He’s followed by Mirwais Ashraf (3.66), Paul Stirling (3.75) and Mohammed Shami (3.82) in a list that gives no indication as to which type of bowler is having the greatest run-rate impact in the tournament whatsoever.

Which batsman is doing the most damage per balls faced?

Our weird way of asking who has the highest strike rate in the tournament is answered by the name, Andre Russell.  The West Indian Mr T lookalike is striking at an impressive 265.38 from his 26 balls thus far; proving a real point of difference at the end of an innings for a West Indian tam that have scored in excess of 300 in all of their efforts to date.  Brad Haddin (221.42), last night’s hero Kevin O’Brien (192.3) and Brendon McCullum (182.55) finish off the list.

Today’s Matchup

1. Scotland v Afghanistan, University Oval (Dunedin – partly cloudy), starts 11:00am local time

Scotland – $2.35

Afghanistan – $1.59

Afghanistan start as favourites for match 17 of the Cricket World Cup, against the struggling Scotland lads. They’re favourites because they lead the head to head 5-3, although Scotland got the better of them at the time of last trying, a big win by 150 runs in Abu Dhabi.  Scotland’s World Cup woes against England and NZ have also seen them lose popularity amongst punters and bookies.  Scotland are desperate to overturn their disappointing returns with the willow, and may have been eyeing a sub-continent side as a reducing their concerns against pace bowling.  But, Afghanistan quickies are some of the best going around so it won’t be easy to escape the barrage.

2. Sri Lanka v Bangladesh

Sri Lanka – $1.22

Bangladesh – $4.35

The World Cup tale of the two Asian sides in the day’s second match has been vastly different.  Bangladesh were impressive in their only appearance in the tournament, whereas their rivals have been very poor.  A loss to New Zealand was followed up with a nail-fittingly close win over Afghanistan; a win that failed to instill confidence in anyone watching.  Mahela Jayawardene was the obvious plus, but he always is and always has been.  They have always (perhaps too much so) relied on Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Dilshan, and that reliance is proving to be to their detriment.  Sri Lanka need contributions from more of the squad if they are to get up and beat a Bangladesh side desperate to get into the quarter-finals and buoyed after the bonus point they gained from the Brisbane washout.

Today’s Bet

The Day 13 Double Upset Multi

Bangladesh and Scotland To Win – $9.57

Odds from Luxbet.

Cricket World Cup: Day 12 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

It’s unlikely we’ll see another Cricket World Cup double century today, but there still could be plenty of action.  Read our preview of today’s match and the three big questions on everyone’s lips at the Cricket World Cup.

The Three Big Questions 

Does Eden Park’s weird dimensions suit Australia or New Zealand more for Saturday’s showdown? 

Many are predicting Saturday’s trans-tasman match at Eden Park to be a preview of the World Cup final in late March.  Both teams are confident, both have made a good start to the tournament and both are familiar with the conditions in both Australia and New Zealand.  Familiarity with Eden Park’s strange dimensions – the straight boundary is just 55m – will be crucial in deciding who runs out on top of Saturday’s pool game.  Australia feel that Tim Southee and Trent Boult’s swing threat is minimised by the small boundaries.  Mishits can still go for six, and edges will race to the straight boundaries and force fine leg and third man to be especially straight, opening up space in other ares of the outfield.  The ground suits left handers too, but with only Corey Anderson and David Warner goofy hitting, no team benefits there.  New Zealand obviously no the conditions well, yet still failed to defend 314 when they last played here (timing with India in a match featuring 23 6’s).  Accordingly, there is no clear advantage, but expect huge totals all round.

Where should bowlers be bowling?

Bowlers have had a rough time of it of late.  The pitches too flat, the balls to hard and the boundaries too small.  300 plus totals are good for fans vying for the Tui catch a million promotion at New Zealand grounds, but a bad look for bowlers.  So what can they do about it?  Short pitched stuff hasn’t worked for England, taking the pace off hasn’t worked for Zimbabwe, liquorice all sorts didn’t work for Andre Russell and the West Indies against Ireland.  That leaves one glaringly obvious strategy that appears to be a lost art these days.  Fire it in fats and straight into the blockhole and you won’t go too far.  Even though Malinga went fro plenty against New Zealand his death spell was excellent.  It’s the only viable strategy in the modern ODI game.  Sure you might get ramped a couple of times, but that shot will come off less than a bludgeon down the ground.

What’s our take on the commentary team?

Refreshing.  There’s a different insight on display with more neutral commentators voicing each game, and it’s something we could get used to. Having grown up listening to the infamous Channel 9 commentary team and watching them get more and more one-eyed (thanks to Ian Healey, James Bradshaw, Michael Slater), the change to Alan Wilkins, Pommie Mbangwa et al has only increased our enjoyment of the tournament.  If only the logistics could work full time on all international tours.  FTP for commentators?

Today’s Matchup

Ireland v UAE, The Gabba (Brisbane – cyclone gone should be fine), starts 1:30pm local time

Ireland – $1.20

UAE – $4.40

The green machine are expected to get the better of the UAE as World Cup cricket returns to the cyclone sodden state of Queensland.  The Irish are coming off a strong opening win against the West Indies, and have the players to get them out of any potentially sticky situations against the only amateur team in the tournament.  Joyce, Stirling and O’Brien are all in some handy form and could cash in against the associate side who, despite enjoying a solid opening effort against Zimbabwe, will probably struggle on the pace and bounce of the Gabba.

Today’s Bet

Ireland’s favourites tag means there are not great odds on any of the common betting options. If anything we like Ed Joyce / Khurram Khan to both to score for their teams at $12.00.

Odds from Sportsbet Australia.

Cricket World Cup: Day 11 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Three Big Questions 

Have India returned to form, are they a chance now?

Bowling woes aside, India have been in some okay form during the majority of their Australian tour.  Their batsman were competent in the test series, they scored some runs in the Carlton Mid Series, and have now scored 300+ against two top tier nations in their opening match of the Cricket World Cup.  Therefore, they haven’t returned to form, they have just had one of their top six score big runs as they have done all summer, and now their bowlers are looking much more comfortable when defending scores of over 300.  We’re convinced they’ll make the semi-finals, but to go further they need a big hundred (which we’ve seen from Sharma, Dhawan, Rahane, Kohli so far this tour), and their bowlers to bowl to a new simple dot ball pressure blowing plan.

What about England?

Less of a chance for India that is for sure.  Too many similar players in both the batting and bowling departments.  In Root, Ballance, Bell and Taylor (even Morgan in current form) you have smaller players who rely on gaps, timing and deflections rather than power.  That’s fine on the bigger grounds and, crucially, when the players are in form, but that’s not the case at the moment.  Joe Buttler is their only MS Dhoni, whereas New Zealand have McCullum, Taylor, Anderson and Ronchi.  Australia have Marsh, Warner, Finch, Maxwell, Faulkner.  They can’t compete.  Their bowlers too won’t offer enough to worry the best in the world.  Finn, Woakes and Broad hit the pitch hard, they rarely swing it down under.  That presents a problem, as Brendon McCullum pointed out.

And South Africa?

South Africa looked surprisingly, but completely, off the mark against India.  Bereft of ideas, and lacking individual accountability.  We mentioned after their first up effort against Zimbabwe that the top four wouldn’t fail cumulatively again in the tournament.  But they did.  du Plessis got a few but the form of Amla, de Kock and de Villiers is now reaching concerning levels.  They need a quick spark to prevent the dreaded c-word surfacing.

Today’s Matchup

West Indies v Zimbabwe, Manuka Oval (Canberra – scattered thunderstorms expected), starts 2:30pm local time

West Indies – $1.20

Zimbabwe – $4.50

The West Indies may have turned a corner with their strong win against Pakistan over the weekend.  After splitting their games in New Zealand, they now travel to Australia to get the better of Zimbabwe, who themselves had one win and one loss in New Zealand.  West Indies shouldn’t be short of runs.  Most of their batsman have enjoyed sufficient time in the middle to again be profitable in this match, while Jerome Taylor and the bowlers have also begun to show more mettle.

Zimbabwe have also been more than useful in their two showings.  Giving South Africa a run before chasing down 285 to win against UAE.  The Zimbabweans will need to improve their fielding and catching if they are to go toe to toe with their unpredictable opponents in this one.  We’re picking a West Indies win.

Today’s Bet

Chris Gayle has not started the tournament well, but we’re thinking today will be his day.  He’s at his best when he’s bullying opponents from the outset, and Zimbabwe could be on the receiving end.  He’s at $4 to top score, a West Indies win with him top scoring is paying $5, and Gayle’s at $7 to be named man of the match.

Odds from Sportsbet Australia.

Cricket World Cup: Day 10 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The minnows have all held their own in World Cup matches thus far without quite getting over the line (aside from Ireland against the West Indies, which was arguably predicted).  Today, Scotland are the minnow trying to overcome a more senior test playing side.  However, the English are reeling, so this could be the magic minnow moment of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Today’s Matchup

England v Scotland, Hagley Oval (Christchurch – fine but cloudy), starts 11:00am local time

England – $1.06

Scotland – $9.30

“Of all the feeble World Cup displays that England have turned on – a whole raft since 1992 – this defeat by New Zealand, who knocked off their target in 12.2 overs, has to be the most ignominious” – Scyld Berry writing for The Telegraph.

Berry’s phrase pretty much sums up the shambolic England performance that dominated Twitter on Friday night.  England were woefully inept against New Zealand and now need to find the inspiration, the belief and the right team mix that will deliver a much needed win – and with it, a chance of making the World Cup quarter finals – when the play Scotland today.

England would never have expected this much pressure on a game against Scotland, but thankfully, the bookies still have them as unbackable favourites.  England are expected to make changes to the side that crumbled to Tim Southee, with Ravi Bopara and Alex Hales the ones likely to slot in.

Scotland bowled nicely against New Zealand when defending their paltry 162.  Thus, therein lies their main chance of sneaking a win against their more heavily fancied neighbours.  Wardlaw and Davey both swing it, and with Christchurch already looking overcast at the time of writing, England could be in for another test against the swinging ball.

Today’s Bet

We don’t even know if he’ll play, but he should, and because he should we’re backing him no matter what.  Even if he doesn’t play he’ll still score the same amount of runs as some that do.

Therefore, we’re on Alex Hales to top score at $6.00.

Hales was left out…again.  New bet needed.  England batting first so runs on offer if they get past the new ball.  Odds are not worthwhile on Root or Bell.  We’re going against the grain.  Morgan (if he continues to bat 5) to top score at the great odds of $8.50.

Odds from Palmerbet.

Super Rugby: Round 2 Preview

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Round 1 of Super Rugby is done and dusted.  A week of rust, and more rust treated us to a number of upsets and treated the bookies to some reasonable takings.  Will the home teams fare better this week?

Check out the preview on all the matches, along with odds from Bet365, to make your picks.

Chiefs v Brumbies, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth, Friday 5.35pm

Chiefs – $1.40

Brumbies – $3.00

The Chiefs and Brumbies will continue a duel that has spanned some 20-odd games, including the 2013 final on Friday night. While the Brumbies have the edge in the overall record, and were dominant in their first up win against the Reds, the Chiefs too enjoyed a win and have further strengthened their side by including Liam Messam and Aaron Cruden.  SBW v Tevita Kuridrani in midfield is going to be an almighty battle that could define the match.  We’re with the bookies on this one, Chiefs by 8.

Rebels v Waratahs, AAMI Park, Melbourne, Friday 7.40pm

Rebels – $2.80

Waratahs – $1.44

The Rebels will have gained an unmeasurable amount of confidence after their first ever Super Rugby away win last week against last years beaten finalists the Crusaders.  They’ll need it too.  Because this week the task gets tougher as they back up against last year’s Champions.  They are at home, and their first match foul play indiscretions have not been penalised by the match review committee, so they are a chance considering how badly the Waratahs were in game one.  Even still, we’re predicting a much better Waratahs performance and for them to bounce back and win by 10.

Bulls v Hurricanes, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, Saturday 4.10am

Bulls – $1.44

Hurricanes – $2.80

The Hurricanes started Chris Boyd’s tenure with a clinical win against the Lions in South Africa, while the Bulls came unstuck against local rivals the Stormers.  The Hurricanes welcome back midfield dynamo Ma’a Nonu fresh off an enforced paternity layoff.  Boyd’s trying to ease the expectations on him, but his inclusion adds more firepower to an already impressive backline.  Despite the Barretts, Nonus, and Janes where still picking the Bulls to get the better of the Canes at home.  Stodgy forward play and accurate kicking will be the difference in this one.  Bulls by 6.

Highlanders v Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Saturday 5.35pm

Highlanders – $2.25

Crusaders – $1.65

An Orientation week fixture for the rowdy Otago University students should provide all the spark the Highlanders need for their first Super Rugby match of the season.  The Highlanders host fellow south islanders (and generally, the best New Zealand conference team) in what is expected to be a sold out showcase of New Zealand’s better rugby talent.  Ben Smith and Israel Dagg, both vying for the All Black fullback spot, will compete in one of the many intriguing individual matches threatening to overshadow the main event.  Crusaders were abysmally rusty in their opening match, but in truth, will probably be better without Dan Carter who is injured.  Highlanders by 5.

Reds v Force, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 7.40pm

Reds – $1.58

Force – $2.40

Oh man, do the Reds have some issues.  If we were writing this preview yesterday we would say they’re a decent chance with Adam Thompson returning to bolster their pack, but with today’s news of Karmichael Hunt’s arrest for drug offences, the team is in turmoil.  I’m tempted to give this to the Force by reasons of disharmony and panic. Force by 7.

Stormers v Blues, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, Sunday 2.05am

Stormers – $1.36

Blues – $3.20

The Stormers have proved that they are back with full force (see what we did their – used another team’s name). They put together an impressive win against the Bulls last week and will be looking to put together another performance against the lacklustre Blues at home.  The Blues kicked, and then kicked some more, ball away last week to destroy any attacking opportunities they had, and they’ll fail to recover from the difficult travelling times in this one.  We’re picking the Stormers to be far too strong at Newlands.  We’re picking the Stormers by 13+.

Sharks v Lions, Kings Park, Durban, Sunday 4.10am

Sharks – $1.22

Lions – $4.35

Another all South African fixture should be settled in the Sharks favour, even taking into account their shock loss in the first round.  The Sharks collapsed under a weight of expectation last week, yet we expect them to do better against the second feline-themed opponent this week.  The Lions need to improve on their ability to dominate possession, otherwise they need to get comfy at the foot of the Super Rugby table.  The Sharks have made three injury enforced change to the team, which should prevent any complacency creeping in.  Sharks to register their first win of the comp. 

 

 

 

 

Cricket World Cup: Day 7 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Crunch game at the World Cup today with New Zealand hosting England in a Wellington day-nighter.  Fans are craving a close game and this one has all the trappings of being so.

The Three Big Questions

Is Adam Milne New Zealand’s best third seam option?

New Zealand are going with an unchanged lineup for today’s match which means Adam Milne will again keep Kyle Mills out (and to a lesser extent Mitchell McClenaghan).  Milne shades the only contentious position presumably because of his extra pace.  The English batsman have struggled against other express quicks such as Mitchell Starc and Johnson over the past few weeks, and the Black Caps are obviously keen to keep testing their appetite for the quick, short stuff.  Milne’s returns have been modest so far – 2/56 and 0/32 at an economy of 5.17 runs per over.  But, in the eye of the New Zealand selectors, the RPO is clearly offset by the wicket-taking threat.  Mills would contain with his accurate cross seamers gripping on the Westpac surface, without any real danger.  Milne’s the right call.

When will Eoin Morgan return to form?

He has to doesn’t he.  How long can someone be “due” without ever scoring runs?  Morgan is providing the English journalists with an almighty angle for their pre-match reporting, and 4 ducks in 5 matches is the type of banter club players love (something about an Audi for a few ducks in a row).  Morgan is quality though; he will jump at the chance of a change of scenery and we expect the drought to end today.  We would bat him at 6 though and let James Taylor occupy 5.  This will give Taylor more time in the middle, while also handing the important closing role to Morgan with less pressure on him the score runs.

Is the World Cup too long?  Will we run out of questions to answer in our daily previews? 

Yes and yes.

Today’s Match

New Zealand v England, Wellington Regional Stadium (Wellington – partly cloudy), starts 2:00pm local time

New Zealand – $1.51

England – $2.56

New Zealand are riding high on a wave of game generated momentum and public admiration, and now face a humiliated England side who were a bit gun-shy in their World Cup opener in Melbourne.  While the Black Caps are strong favourites at the bookies, we think this will be considerably closer than the odds suggest.  Why?  Because New Zealand haven’t faced quality opening bowlers for some time.  Having time and time again dined out on Sri Lanka and Pakistan military medium’s and only had a small dose of imperious quicks when they warmed up against South Africa, they now face Stuart Broad and James Anderson.  Two quality seamers with equally promising backups in Steven Finn and Chris Woakes. Eoin Morgan’s due too (even though he’s battling the captaincy curse).

New Zealand have name an unchanged side from the one that has come out on top in their first two efforts.  They need to shake it off, shake it off the poor chase they nearly threw away of just 160 odd against Scotland three days ago.  We’re anxious for New Zealand in this one.

Today’s Bet

We like outsiders, so think about lumping on England on a straight head to head here.  If you’re really confident, back England win by 50 Runs or 6-10 Wickets at $7.00.  If you need a player to back, pick Joe Root to top score at $5.50 (he averages 58.4 against NZ in 7 ODI’s).

Odds from Palmerbet.