Cricket Betting: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20 Series Preview
New Zealand and Sri Lanka will have an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup as the sides resume their rivalry in the shortest format. The two match T20 series will start on January 7th and gives a chance to the visitors to gain revenge from the series loss in the ODIs.
The Kiwis would be upbeat about their form in the ODIs with Martin Guptill rediscovering his blistering form at the top of the order. Kane Williamson is always a calm presence in the middle and this series gives him a chance to mark his own authority as they build to the World Cup without Brendon McCullum.
The bowling unit seems to have clicked too with Matt Henry proving to be difficult to handle for the visitors. He is retained in the squad to replace the injured Tim Southee and could be a handful again. It’s the return of Corey Anderson, albeit purely as a batsman, that will be looked upon with interest.
For the visitors, the loss of regular captain Lasith Malinga to injury is a blow. Dinesh Chandimal, who had a great tour so far, will stand-in as captain but will have a huge task of motivating his side. The Islanders were close to making a mark in the ODI series but came up short against Guptill and Henry.
Tillekaratne Dilshan is a vital member of this young squad and his experience of the shortest format should drive the side from the top. Chandimal will look to add to his growing reputation but bowling remains a worry. The loss of regular players to injuries could come back to haunt them. All-rounder Thisara Perera could be an important presence with his hard hitting down the order and bustling bowling in the middle overs.
This is an unpredictable format but current form and the conditions point to a home win in the series. But, Sri Lanka could give a tough fight and may even draw the series. Bet on the Kiwis to start with a win in the first game at odds of $1.46 at Sportsbet.
Guptill could be an ideal bet on being the best bat for the Kiwis at odds of $3.40 at Sportsbet. Watch out for Dilshan from the visitors’ side at odds of $4.00 at Sportsbet for Sri Lanka’s best batsman.
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