Cricket Betting: New Zealand vs Australia 2nd ODI
After a thrilling ODI opener at Auckland where Marcus Stoinis made a valiant attempt with a breathtaking innings, the teams move on to Napier for the second ODI on Thursday, February 2.
The hosts can close out the series with a win while Australia will have to work through their injuries and win to stay alive for the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.
A last-gasp win
New Zealand made heavy weather of their win at Auckland, although it was largely due to a freak innings from one particular batsman. Martin Guptill started the charge for Kiwis with the bat while Neil Broom and James Neesham gave finishing touches to what was a respectable total.
It looked like they would cruise to a win till Stoinis gave them jitters, but in the end Kane Williamson would be happy with taking a 1-0 lead. The Kiwis will be without Martin Guptill for the second ODI with Dean Brownlie added in as replacement.
New Zealand have a formidable record at the McLean Park where they have won three of the last five ODIs with the other two being abandoned. The Aussies and the Kiwis have played here four times in the past, winning twice each.
A huge chance for Finch
Matthew Wade is ruled out of the series which means a huge chance for Aaron Finch not just as an opener but also as captain. It was a miserable outing for the regular batsmen in the first ODI with the likes of Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell and Finch himself failing.
The close nature of the result – thanks to Stoinis’ heroics – shouldn’t gloss over the fact that Australia have a long way to go in the series. With the ball too, the trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins couldn’t provide better penetration.
It was a tough baptism for the youngster Sam Heazlett who could possibly get another chance to showcase his potential. It will, though, depend on how the top order performs.
Odds
Though the result was close, New Zealand came out trumps and should be confident of a win at Napier too. A win for the Kiwis is being offered at odds of $2.10 (Ladbrokes) and looks an interest bet to look at. Australian win is offered at $1.80 (William Hill) but a look at their current form doesn’t exude confidence of punting on them.
Stoinis is the man-of-the-moment now! Generally, after such highs, the pressure of keeping up to the lofty expectations pen a player down. But backing Stoinis to be the Kangaroos’ top scorer at odds of $14 (TopBetta) could be your dark horse punt.
TIP: New Zealand to Win – $2.10 at Ladbrokes
ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
