Cricket World Cup Betting: Australia v New Zealand

Match Previews / Andrew Hughes / 24 February 2011 /

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Taylor can top score for New Zealand

"An additional twist here is that the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is up for grabs, good news for the Black Caps as they have an excellent record when that piece of silverware is at stake."

Both teams disposed of poor opposition in their opening games and a win here would go a long way to securing qualification for the quarter-finals.

London Start Time: 04:00
Venue and Conditions
Everyone will know what to expect from the venue that hosted England v Netherlands on Tuesday. One of the best batting wickets in the world with a lightning quick outfield that means batsmen get full value for their shots. The early morning start also takes the evening dew out of the equation. A high scoring game is on the cards.

Team News
We can expect an unchanged side from Australia, with Jason Krejza's spin option vital at this ground. It is hard to see New Zealand making any changes either, the strong performances of Tim Southee and Hamish Bennett against Kenya likely to keep Kyle Mills out of the team.

Match Odds
Going into this tournament, these two teams were miles apart in terms of form and Australia's odds of [1.47] to win this game probably reflect that. But a convincing thrashing of Kenya will have done wonders for New Zealand's confidence and they have a better chance of upsetting their neighbours than odds of [3.05] would suggest. An additional twist here is that the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is up for grabs, good news for the Black Caps as they have an excellent record when that piece of silverware is at stake. Australia's pace bowlers may just give them the edge, but at the current odds, New Zealand are the value selection in what could be a close contest.

Top Batsman
Shane Watson and Michael Clarke are the men in form for Australia, but it makes sense to side with the big opener against an attack likely to be dominated by workmanlike medium pacers. He can be backed at [3.75]

For New Zealand, Martin Guptil looked in good nick against Kenya, outscoring his opening partner Brendon McCullum, but a safer choice is Ross Taylor at [5.0] who averages nearly 40 against Australia in ODIs and seems to like Indian conditions.

Featured Market
In three games at this ground there have been four centuries, so it makes sense to back 'over 82.5' in the highest individual score market at [1.8] or better

Best Bet:
New Zealand to beat Australia at [3.05]

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