Cricket Betting: New Zealand vs South Africa Test Series Preview
South Africa edged out New Zealand in an inconsistent yet highly competitive ODI series. The two teams are now all set to resume rivalries in the three-match Test series starting in Dunedin on March 8, Wednesday.
Can the hosts make their home advantage count?
New Zealand’s recent tryst in Tests was at home against Bangladesh. Although they emerged victorious, the hosts were pushed farther than expected. That apart, challenging home conditions always put the Kiwis as favorites against any opponent. And of course, there is the added incentive for them in this series that a win could see them climb up the ICC Test rankings where they are currently in fifth.
Batting is not the strong suite for the hosts and will most likely depend on Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. Jeet Raval is still finding his feet at international level while Tom Latham’s form took a beating in the ODIs.
With the ball, it’s a different story as the trio of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner give as much variety and incision as any captain can ask for. Mitchell Santner’s presence gives Williamson cover in the spin department while Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham will vie for the all-rounder slot.
A tough cookie in Tests
Irrespective of the conditions, South Africa is a challenging proposition and that makes this series interesting. They come on the back of an easy series win against Sri Lanka but the challenge against the Kiwis will be much bigger.
The likes of Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla give a great look for South African batting where Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy will lead the middle order. And then the presence of pocket dynamo Quinton de Kock makes it as much challenging for the Kiwis as any!
The bowling will be led by Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander while the returning-from-injury Morne Morkel gives a strong look to a team that has many choices in the seam bowler front.
Odds
For all their success at home, New Zealand have an inferior record against South Africa winning one and losing seven out of 17 Tests played so far. Their overall record stands at four wins and 24 losses in 42 Test matches.
It is little wonder then that the Proteas are favourites to win the series. Odds of $1.62 (Sportsbet) are being offered on their win while a home win is being offered at $3.60 (Sportsbet). Considering their record and form, New Zealand will have to punch way above their weight to do so.
If you are a little enterprising with your picks, choose to go with a series score line of 2-0 for the visitors offered at odds of $5 (bet365).
TIP: South Africa to win series $1.62 at Sportsbet
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