OUR man from Sky Sports, Joe Drabble (@Joe_Drabbs) returns from a days rest to give us his views on this huge game for England.
New Zealand v England | Friday 01:00 | Sky Sports 2
After a mauling in Melbourne, England have crossed the Tasman Sea aiming to get their World Cup campaign back on track against another host nation in New Zealand’s capital city.
England’s opening defeat to Australia looked inevitable due to the gulf in quality between the sides, however Friday morning’s clash looks much more even, on paper at least.
New Zealand, having won their last five ODIs, are worthy favourites and know a win here will virtually secure their place in the quarter-finals. While it’s far from do-or-die for England, a defeat will do little for their confidence going into the business end of the tournament.
The Westpac Stadium has been kind to the Black Caps over the years – they have won nine of the last 11 ODIs played there, while England can take comfort from a victory on their last outing inside the ‘cake tin’, albeit in a T20 international against the Kiwis two years ago…
In a two-horse race the 13/8 with William Hill on England would be my preferred outright bet, and conditions in New Zealand will certainly suit England more than in Australia. The pitch is expected to assist the pace bowlers so with that in mind I’ll be looking at them to shine in the Man of the Match market and I’ll be favouring the lower-order batsmen to have a say in the runscorer betting.
Jos Buttler has enjoyed plenty of success against New Zealand over the years and is a mouth-watering 18/1 with Paddy Power to be England’s top batsman. Take that while it’s available!
New Zealand quick Tim Southee, aided by a notorious strong wind at the venue, has taken 14 wickets in five matches at the ground and is 11/2 with 888 Sport to be the top wicket-taker in the match, while team-mate Dan Vettori should relish the conditions and is worth a punt in the most economical bowler market.
For England, Chris Woakes should find conditions in Wellington akin to his West Midlands home and is 20/1 with Titanbet for man of the match.
Best Bets
New Zealand v England – England to win (13/8 William Hill)
New Zealand v England – Jos Buttler to be Top England Batsman (18/1 Paddy Power)
New Zealand v England – Chris Woakes to be Man Of The Match (20/1 Titanbet)
New Zealand v England – Tim Southee to be Top Bowler (11/2 888 Sport)
Money Back If Match Decided In Final Over
888 Sport are refunding pre-match or in:play bets on the Match Winner market if this game is decided in the final over of the match. Looks a nice concession as this game should be tight. Get involved here.
TOPICS Cricket Tips
