Tag: Ross Taylor

Cricket: Teams face off in final hit out before World Cup

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The pre-cup bilaterals are almost at an end.  The endless warm up matches will soon be replaced by the real deal, the main event.  Accordingly, game two between Pakistan and New Zealand at McClean Park is one of the final opportunities to fine tune games and plans before the pressure gets crippling.

Pakistan need the game more than New Zealand.  The home side are well settled, in form and winning.  The World Cup couldn’t come sooner for them.  Pakistan on the other hand still need time to acclimatise.  They need to experience a win (after losing game on and losing to a mediocre invitational side).

Napier’s game two day-nighter presents the perfect opportunity.

The Last Time These Two Met

Game one featured plenty of rust.  Not the kind coming from the empty seat at the Cake Tin either.  Mainly it was the evident rust of the paisan line-up that will be better for the blow out.  Batting first Pakistan limped to just 210.  That was only possible because of Shahid Afridi who struck 67 off just 29 balls.  His strike rate was 231, the rest of the line-up’s was just 53.

New Zealand chased it comfortably.  Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott guiding the chase with a pair of unbeaten half centuries.  The only real interest in the second innings was who would top score between the two, a bet that came down to the last run.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt), 3 Kane Williamson/Tom Latham, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum/Daniel Vettori, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Trent Boult

Kane Williamson’s shoulder is still not 100%, so it’s probable he’ll sit this one out again.

Pakistan (likely): 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Ahmed Shehzad, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Haris Sohail, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt.), 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 8 Shahid Afridi, 9 Bilawal Bhatti, 10 Mohammad Irfan, 11 Sohail Khan/Ehsan Adil

The fifth seamer is the troubling aspect of Pakistan’s squad with Haris Sohail expected to make up the bulk of the overs with the injuries to Wahab, Junaid – who has toady been ruled out of the World Cup.

The Key Players

Ross Taylor –  We don’t generally like focusing on the same player over an over again, but Taylor’s record in Napier is simply too good to ignore.  The Central Districts prospect played lots of his first class cricket at McLean Park and has subsequently carved out an amazing record on the batsman friendly ground.  In 11 ODI’s at the ground, Taylor has scored 584 runs with 2 hundreds at an average of 73.  Look for him to cash in again.  Although, one anomaly, the only time he’s failed at the ground was against Pakistan in 2011.

Shahid Afridi – Afridi is building a handy little record against New Zealand of late.  In the Abu Dhabi series Afridi played much more like a composed batsman and had an excellent series.  He didn’t quite play in the same way on Saturday, reverting back to his old school Boom Boom approach, yet he still scored big runs.  The small McClean Park could be ideal for his destructive game.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.40

Pakistan – $3.00

*Courtesy of Ladbrokes Australia.

The Prediction

Pakistan were predictably blown away by New Zealand’s seamers in game one, and while Napier isn’t expected to swing and seam as much New Zealand will still be too strong.  Remember a pitch that assists Southee and Boult also assists Irfan – and thus Napier could nullify the threat of the giant quick.

The Longshot

Hard to go past Ross Taylor to top score.  Even despite the Napier record, without Kane Williamson playing, Taylor’s a strong chance.  He’s at $5.

Cricket: New Zealand desperate for sterner test

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The majority of New Zealand cricket fans are cautiously optimistic about their teams chances at the impending Cricket World Cup, however, their also probably quite uncomfortable with the noise that the Black Caps are attracting.  Especially due to the ease at which they’ve taken the series against Sri Lanka.

The Black Caps have not been tested in a couple of crucial areas that will make or break their World Cup campaign.  Heading the list of important work ons is their death bowling at the end of a tense chase.  Unfortunately, aside from game two, Sri Lanka have not got close to one of targets and the New Zealand death bowlers are underdone.

Sri Lanka on the other hand need to develop a bowling attack that can tame sides better than they have been doing.  Without Malinga the tourists have struggled to bowl New Zealand out or contain some of their more destructive hitters.  Plenty to practice then in Wellington, which is expected to be cloudy but dry.

The Last Time These Two Met

New Zealand are craving a close game to test their game under pressure before the World Cup.  They didn’t get one in the 6th ODI in Dunedin on Sunday.  Instead the Black Caps eased to a 120 run win on the back of 90’s from Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.  Rather than have their bowlers tested in the final stages of the innings, the Black Caps rolled Sri Lanka for 195.  Kumar Sangakkara’s 81 stood out like a sore thumb in a feeble effort.

The Teams

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

Brendon McCullum is due a rest, so Tom Latham will replace him at the top of the order.  His combination with Guptill may be a slow one and could heap some pressure on the finishers below them.  Kyle Mills will also get some more cricket.

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 Perera, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Dhammika Prasad/ Dushmantha Chameera 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal

Sri Lanka are starting to resemble the working wounded.  In addition to the problems with Angelo Matthews, and Herath’s departure, Dhammika Prasad and Jeevan Mendis are also carrying niggles.  As a result we could see a debut for Dushmantha Chameera.

The Key Players

Grant Elliott – How well has he slotted back in to international cricket?  Coming into the series he was competing with Latham for a World Cup spot and, after a woeful start and family emergency, he looked uncertain.  No more though.  Elliott has settled the number five debate once and for all and will play an important part in NZ’s World Cup.

Dinesh Chandimal – After an encouraging start to the tour in the Wellington test match, Chandimal has failed to kick on and has contributed just 9 runs in two ODI games.  If he is to

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.57

Sri Lanka – $2.40

*Courtesy of Tom Waterhouse.

The Prediction

Momentum is a hell of a difficult thing to stop in cricket, and in our view Sri Lanka don’t quite have the resources at the moment in which to curtail New Zealand’s.  We’re predicting a NZ win at the Cake Tin.

The Longshot

Grant Elliott to continue his great run of form and top score for New Zealand. $8 at Tom Waterhouse.

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: Sri Lanka a big chance against weakened hosts

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Unbelievably, Sri Lanka have failed to win a game on their tour of New Zealand thus far.  Therefore, Thursday’s game two at Hamilton’s Seddon Park may be the perfect opportunity to do so.  New Zealand are missing some key players and look beatable in game one even though they managed a three wicket win.

If Sri Lanka can make an impression with the bat, post a decent total in excess of 270, there’s no reason why they can’t exploit some nervousness in the opposition batting line-up.  Doing so will allow them to build some momentum before the teams meet again in the World Cup opener.

The Last Time These Two Met

Not for the first time in the last 12 months most of the headlines from game one belonged to Brendon McCullum.  The Black Caps captain equalled his record for the fastest ODI half-century when he bashed 51 from 22 balls to set his team on their way to victory.  Although the final margin wasn’t as comprehensive as it seemed, Corey Anderson’s 81 got the home team over the line by three wickets.  The chase of 219 could have been for less but for the contribution from Mahela Jayawardene, who made a timeless 104.  His first ODI century in New Zealand was full of elegance and grace, and notwithstanding McCullum’s aggressive approach, he easily looked the best batsman on show.

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 Adam Milne, 10 Mitchell McClenaghan, 11 Trent Boult

For New Zealand, Williamson is being rested to overcome a slight shoulder injury, however, Ross Taylor’s return offsets the loss.  Grant Elliot is also doubtful after missing Wednesday’s training for a family health matter.  If Elliot is unavailable Daniel Vettori may have to make up the numbers.  A move that would expose the Black Caps middle and lower order.

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

Possible changes include: Dinesh Chandimal for the surprisingly disappointing Thirimanne who really was strangled in game one; and Lakmal for Shaminda Eranga.  Rotation is inevitable in a seven match series but it remains to be seen whether things will change this early in the series.

The Key Players

Tom Latham – Latham has impressed most with his test match temperament which was showcased during hundreds against Pakistan and West Indies during New Zealand’s winter tours.  His challenge now is to transfer that form to the ODI game.  He has an excellent opportunity to secure the final middle order World Cup bert and this match is perfect platform.

Sachithra Senanayake – The fact that Senanayake bowled the fifth over in Christchurch’s game one is testament to either, McCullum’s intimidating start, or Senanayake tremendous control.  Since returning from an ICC imposed bowling ban he’s been an absolute revelation.  Look for more wickets from the crafty operator in game two as well.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.60

Sri Lanka – $2.90

*International Cricket odds courtesy of TopBetta.

The Prediction

We’re a bit anxious about the fragility of New Zealand’s middle order core.  Latham at three, Taylor without form and cricket at four, and Elliot at five is worrying for a nation with a history of batting collapses.  The Black Caps could falter to the spin of Senanayake and struggle to post a defendable total at Seddon Park.  For that reason we’re picking Sri Lanka to even the series up.

Cricket: Williamson’s runs and Henry’s wickets deliver NZ win

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New Zealand finally settled the long running debate over who was having the better tour between them and Pakistan.  After a tied test series, a tied T20 series, and the first four one layers also being split between the teams, the Black Caps’ 68 run win gave them bragging rights for the flight home.

The final one layer at Abu Dhabi was one of the more one-sided out of any of the games the two played.  In friendly batting conditions New Zealand’s middle order mainstay of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor combined to do the bulk of the scoring.  Williamson completed his eight half-century from his previous ten innings (one of the others was 46) and Taylor made a measured 88 not out to see New Zealand through to 275/4 from their 50 overs.  The wickets in hand suggested New Zealand could have pushed on to a bigger total but without the likes of Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson to clear the rope, 275 had to suffice.

Dean Brownlie continue his puzzling run of form.  His last few bats have yielded 47, 42, and 34 to indicate a level of comfort at the top of the order that could help solve NZ’s World Cup dilemma, but it has frustrated some that he couldn’t completely anchor the innings and score large totals himself.

As Pakistan set about their chase to win the series they immediately found themselves in early trouble when Matt Henry and Anton Devcich reduced them to 38/3.  Unfortunately, the Pakistanis could not find the consistency and momentum to get anywhere near the target – Henry in particular compounding their woes with 5-30.  Henry has already shown a tendency to take bags of wickets – this is his third fourth wicket in just six games – and like Brownlie is now a strong favourite to feature in the reduced World Cup squad.

Haris Sohail top scored for Pakistan, but as has been the case for much of the series, the top order left too much for him and Afridi to do.  Save for game three, the top order for Pakistan just haven’t been able to find form at he same time, with early wickets always curtailing the chances of big scores.  Ahmed Shehzad was the exception in this one, however he wasn’t able to recreate his game three knock and scored only a half century of his own in the disappointing chase.

Cricket continues soon for both sides.  New Zealand host Sri Lanka in 2 tests, 5 ODI’s, and 1 T20 before hosting the rest of the World when the World Cup begins in mid-Feb.  Pakistan on the other hand host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in two short sharp encounters.

New Zealand 275 for 4 (Williamson 97, Taylor 88*) beat Pakistan 207 (Sohail 65, Shehzad 54, Henry 5-30) by 68 runs

Cricket: Pakistan battle back to beat NZ

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Haris Sohail and Shahid Afridi led an impressive comeback by Pakistan to seal victory over New Zealand in the first one day international in Dubai this morning.  Pakistan were earlier reduced to 86/5 in their pursuit of NZ’s 286 and needed the calm heads of Sohail (85*) and Afridi (61) to see them home with three balls to spare.  The pair shared a 110 run match-winning partnership and nullified the threat of Daniel Vettori’s (2-40) spin and Adam Milne’s (0-42) pace towards the back end of the chase, just when New Zealand were desperate for wickets.

As predicted, Ross Taylor had early taken it upon himself to deliver NZ a total they were capable of defending after they had earlier collapsed to 111-5.  Taylor’s 105* stood out like a sore thumb on a scoreboard featuring multiple starts but nothing else over 27.  Luke Ronchi (23) and Vettori (27) were both in that category, but their’s were scored at good strike-rates and were both important cameos in the context of the total.

The New Zealand’s cricket team’s struggle on a slow wicket was perhaps best illustrated by the fact that none of the Pakistan bowlers went for over 6-runs-per-over.  While Mohammad Irfan And Wahab as took the bulk of the wickets, the economical spell of man of the match Haris Sohail (10-30-0) was the most telling in the tight contest.

Any momentum that the Pakistan team took at the half way mark quickly evaporated when their top order was rocked by accuracy and carelessness.  Top order woes continued to middle order woes and when Sarfraz Ahmed (26) was the sixth wicket to fall at 124 to cricket match seemed unlovable for NZ.

However, as Pakistan employed a more cautious approach to their batting, led surprisingly by the enigmatic Afridi, the New Zealand attack could find no way through and could not take the wickets that were necessary to restrict the Pakistanis.  That meant the asking rate was never out of reach, and when wickets were on the agenda, Jimmy Neesham (2-62) and Kyle Mills (1-54) disappointed in their closing spells.

So, 1-0 to Pakistan when it looked unlikely for much of the game.  Game two to look forward to on Friday.

Pakistan 250 for 7 (Haris 85*, Afridi 61) beat New Zealand 246 for 7 (Taylor 105*, Irfan 3-57) by three wickets