Australia vs New Zealand First ODI: Cricket Betting Preview

The first of the three-match ODI series of New Zealand’s short neighborly visit of Australia begins tomorrow at Sydney. New Zealand field a new-look side, and Australia will be looking forward to see whether their new-generation players can emulate the yesteryears’ heroes. On the betting front, there is no clear-cut favorite. Australia will have a slight edge, as they are playing at home and usually have a kind of psychological edge over their trans-Tasman rivals.

Preview – Australia

Australia have a side that can settle into a world-beating mode. So far they have not inspired the awe that the Australian teams used to generate. This series will be a test for their potential greatness. In David Warner, Steven Smith, George Bailey and Aaron Finch, they have an all-weather batting line-up. Glen Maxwell, James Faulkner, Mitchell Marsh and newcomer Hilton Cartwright offer them sufficient options for all-rounders’ spots. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins form one of the most lethal bowling combinations and Adam Zampa is a handy wicket-taking leg-spinner. The problem for the Aussies these days, and for those who back them in cricket betting, is that what is there on paper does not always get translated into on-field performance.

Preview – New Zealand

New Zealand will be hoping that their recent luck with the newcomers continues in this series as well. They have high hopes on the rookie express pace bowler Lockie Ferguson. All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has already made a dream debut. Kane Williamson will hope that his young batters will prove their mettle in this series. Bowling looks a bit more settled, mainly because of the assured presence of Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Vital Stats

Australia and New Zealand have played 130 matches so far. Australia have won 87 and New Zealand 37. The recent matches perhaps guide you more for cricket betting. In the last five matches between these sides, New Zealand have won three and Australia two. But Australia won the most important of them all: the World Cup final.

Prediction

It will be a tough contest – and even tougher for cricket betting. But Australia will have a slight upper hand in the first ODI.

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