Having seen off a strong Australian ODI team in a thrilling home series, India are off on their travels as they head east to New Zealand. This is a long tour, reaching into March, that will take in three One Day Internationals and two Test Matches but before all of that, we have no fewer than five T20is to look forward to.
India and New Zealand are among the favourites for the T20 World Cup later this year. So this series will give us some good early pointers. It all gets underway in Auckland this Friday so let’s see how the sportsbooks are assessing this first game.
What are the cricket odds for New Zealand v India?
We were reminded, during the 2019 ODI World Cup, that New Zealand are a genuine force in limited overs cricket. The Kiwis also have home advantage but despite all that, India are the hot favourites for Friday’s game. Currently, you can take a Satta on Virat Kohli’s men at 1.57 with Bet365. The New Zealanders are on offer at 2.40.
We think that it should be a lot closer than these figures suggest. The key battle is between India’s bowlers and a depth of power hitting batsmen from New Zealand who can beat any side on their day. Over the course of a five game series, we expect India to come through 3-2 or perhaps 4-1 at best but the Kiwis will be competitive. For now, we’ll take the favourites to claim the opener and look for the outsiders as the series develops.
Match Odds Summary
New Zealand: 2.40, India: 1.57 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick)
What are the top batsman odds for New Zealand v India?
India have been dealt a blow with the loss of Shikhar Dhawan on the eve of the Tour. The left hander damaged his shoulder during the final ODI with Australia just as he was running back into form. The selectors have called up Sanju Samson as replacement but it’s Virat Kohli who starts as favourite to top score for his side at 3.50 with Bet365.
Rohit Sharma follows at 3.75 while KL Rahul is at 4.00. The odds setters feel that our winner will come from that list of three names as we now have a gap to the rest. Sanju Samson is at 5.50, followed by Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant who are both at 7.00 and Shivam Dube at 15.00.
As for New Zealand, the home side are led by Kane Williamson and they have that good balance between explosive hitters and patient accumulators who can pick up the pace when required. In the Kiwis’ top batsman market, Williamson and Martin Guptill start as joint favourites and both men can be claimed at 4.00.
Colin Munro is next at 4.50 while Ross Taylor looks surprisingly generous at 6.50. In the middle order, further options come from Tim Seifert at 6.50, Colin De Grandhomme at 7.00 and Daryl Mitchell at 13.00.
We would suggest looking at a small Satta on Ross Taylor. It is an exceptional price on an in-form batsman who can deliver in any form of the game. As for our overall tip, we’ll stay with Rohit Sharma for Friday’s opener.
Rohit found form in the Australian ODIs and tends to start series in good shape. So we’ll back the opener to maintain those impressive scores.
Top Batsman Odds Summary
New Zealand: Williamson 4.00, Guptill 4.00, Munro 4.50, Taylor 6.50, Seifert 6.50, De Grandhomme 7.00, Mitchell 13.00
India: Kohli 3.50, Sharma 3.75 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick), Rahul 4.00, Samson 5.50, Iyer 7.00, Pant 7.00, Dube 15.00
What are the most sixes odds for New Zealand v India?
This is one of our preferred markets as we can often find some outside value. New Zealand may not win this game but with there is enough firepower to convert a profit. The likes of Guptill, Munro and De Grandhomme can hit big.
We’d be happier if Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham were lining up. But the home side can still deliver more maximums to return at odds of 2.25 with Betway.
Most Sixes Odds Summary
New Zealand 2.25 (Betway – Editor’s Pick), India 1.90, The Tie 7.50
