Twenty20 World Cup Betting: New Zealand v Pakistan

Twenty20 World Cup / Edward Hammond-Kenny / 07 May 2010 /

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Jesse Ryder hits out against South Africa

"The Black Caps are currently available at [1.86] and if they are to win then they need their top order batsman to start contributing. So far their big stars like Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum have been struggling to put a meaningful innings together, which has heaped pressure on the all rounders instead of allowing them to swing the bat with abandon."

The pressure's on after both sides lost their opening games and Betfair customers are finding it hard to split them, so what does Ed Hammond-kenny think? Read on

Venue and Conditions

Saturday's first game is a real crunch game as New Zealand and Pakistan, who both lost their initial Super 8 match, meet in a match that neither can afford to lose if they want a realistic chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

The pitches at Barbados have proved very fair with some bounce to aid the bowlers and enough pace coming onto the bat to allow batsman value for money for their shots.

Team News

New Zealand do not have a particularly deep squad so the batting line up will likely remain the same. The main decision will be whether to retain Tim Southee, who suffered at the hands of big hitting Albie Morkel in the last match against South Africa. Ian Butler or the experienced Kyle Mills could replace him.

The main decision for Pakistan will be to decide if fast bowler Mohammad Asif will improve after his poor game against England, or whether to cut their losses and return to Mohammad Sami.

Match Odds

The market is finding it hard to split these two teams, though it's looking like New Zealand will end up being marginal favourites. The Black Caps are currently available at [1.86] and if they are to win then they need their top order batsman to start contributing. So far their big stars like Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum have been struggling to put a meaningful innings together, which has heaped pressure on the all rounders instead of allowing them to swing the bat with abandon.

Pakistan are [2.04] at the time of writing and their key is undoubtedly their talismanic skipper Shahid Afridi, he looks to be in good form with bat and ball and was unlucky to be run out against England. He will likely have to take on his opposite number Daniel Vettori, whose subtle off spin variations can grind even the strongest hitters to a halt.

Top Batsman

Brendon McCullum is always the heart over the head pick for top New Zealand batsman. He will be out there with all guns blazing from ball one but in Mohammed Aamer he is up against a fine bowler and another short cameo is a distinct possibility. At the same price ([4.0]) Jesse Ryder provides as much power with less risk taking, and he looks to be the man in form for the Kiwi's.

Salman Butt has been the stand out performer for Pakistan this event and has top scored twice so far so unsurprisingly heads the market, again at a price of 4.0, while the Akmal brothers Kamran and Umar have also been the other consistent contributors.

Featured Market

Both teams struggled to bat on this surface first time around (highest score on either side was 34) so backing Under 68.5 Runs on the Highest Individual Score market may be a good selection.

Trivia

Vettori has the best economy rate of any bowler who has bowled at least 40 overs in T20 internationals, conceding just 5.35 measly runs per over.

Best Bet

Ed Hammond-Kenny says: Back Jesse Ryder to outscore Brendon McCullum on the head to head market at [1.91] or better.

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