ODI Cricket Betting: Australia vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Preview
Australia wrapped up the series and regained the Chappell-Hadlee trophy with two comprehensive wins in the first games of the ODI series against New Zealand. Will that make the third ODI a dead rubber? Hardly so, because both teams will still be looking to win for contrasting reasons. Australia want to continue their renaissance after a poor start to the summer, while New Zealand wouldn’t want to go home empty-handed. This makes the final ODI between these sides in Melbourne on Friday, December 9 very interesting.
The hosts rode on superlative batting performances to win the first two matches. Captain Steven Smith rode his luck and led them to victory with a brilliant century in the first match. Then it was the turn of David Warner in Sydney to provide a platform that eventually led to complete annihilation by Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. The only concern for Smith remains the form of Aaron Finch who’s finding it very difficult to score.
It’s a chance to test the bench strength which may mean a game for Glenn Maxwell unless Smith wants to keep the winning side intact. The return of Pat Cummins is refreshing as is the control of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood. Adam Zampa could get a look in too while all-rounder Hilton Cartwright may get a debut.
New Zealand will be desperate to limit the Aussies to a manageable score – which has been their undoing so far. Martin Guptill reclaimed his love for colored clothing although there is scant support for him at the top. Tom Latham’s role could be under discussion as is the strategy to include two all-rounders in Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham.
The Kiwis bowling isn’t helping either with lack of control proving their bane in both the matches. Fielding standards also dropped uncharacteristically low which is a cause for concern. Can Kane Williamson find a way to enthuse life in their campaign?
The hosts look a safe bet to complete the whitewash but there’s no value in the price of $1.33 at Sportsbet. An interesting bet would be to punt on Maxwell leading the run charts for Australia – just in case he plays for them. It would be a risky punt, but he’s capable of turning it on at odds of $9.00 at Sportsbet.
TIP: Glenn Maxwell Most Runs, Australia – $9.00 at Sportsbet
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