Cricket Betting: New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI Series Preview
New Zealand couldn’t have chosen a better opponent to start their home summer stretch than West Indies. The men from the Caribbean were the perfect preparation board for the Kiwis to test new combinations and rest the regular combinations. They won’t have the same luxury against Pakistan, who are in town for a five-match ODI series. It is going to be a test of credentials of both sides – New Zealand will have a proper test of its home dominance, while Pakistan’s ability to shape up on overseas tours will be put to show.
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New Zealand – can they continue their dominance?
The Kiwis will be back to their full-strength as Kane Williamson comes back to take the leadership. With Martin Guptill returning to the side after an injury lay-off, things are looking bright for the hosts at the top of the order.
The bowling looks formidable too, as Tim Southee and Trent Boult revive the magic ‘swinging partnership’ with the new ball. There are enough options in the spin department too, as Todd Astle joins Mitchell Santner. Overall, this is a balanced New Zealand unit that will start the series as favourites.
Pakistan – a chance to write a new overseas story
Pakistan have always been a threat in these conditions, thanks to their bowling riches. This time, it’s no different as the likes of Mohammed Amir and Hasan Ali make the visitors a dangerous unit. Also in the mix is the exciting leg-spin of Shadab Khan, who could be a tough nut for the Kiwi batsmen.
Batting remains their Achilles heel, but in Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam the visitors have an exciting duo in the top-order. While Zaman can hurt the bowlers – more in the Guptill mode – Azam is the more conventional ODI accumulator.
Stats
As expected, New Zealand have a positive record against Pakistan in 44 home ODIs played so far (W26, L15). Their recent record is even more impressive, as they have five of their last six encounters against Pakistan. The only aberration is an abandoned match!
Key players
Colin Munro has had a dream series against the West Indies, in both ODIs and T20Is. If he can continue to bring the same confidence to his game against Pakistan, the visitors will be left running for shelter.
His ability to pick wickets at any stage of the game coupled with the fact that he can generate good pace, makes Hasan Ali a tough customer. He had been the find of last year for Pakistan and will look to start this year on a positive note.
Picks
New Zealand start as favourites and they are tipped to win the series at odds of $1.33 (Ladbrokes). There is value in picking Pakistan to win the series – odds of $3.25 (Ladbrokes) – but it is a pick wrapped heavily in risk. What about the margin of victory? We think it could be 4-1 to the hosts at odds of $3.25 (CrownBet)
