After a dispiriting 5-0 defeat in the New Zealand v India T20i series, we hadn’t expected New Zealand to lift themselves for the One Day leg of India’s tour. The Kiwis must have been flat after two Super Over losses but clearly we shouldn’t have written them off.
India posted a healthy 347/4 in their fifty overs but on a fast-scoring Hamilton surface, New Zealand chased down that target with 11 balls to spare. Following Wednesday’s defeat, India must now win in Auckland on Saturday if they are to stay in this three-match series.
What are the cricket odds for New Zealand v India?
Virat Kohli’s men certainly have the backing of the bookies and a win for India can be claimed at odds of 1.55 with Betway. The tourists are clear favourites but there could be value in taking a Satta on New Zealand at 2.50.
Quality runs deep for the Kiwis and this time it was Ross Taylor who stepped up to take them over the line with a brilliant century. With Jimmy Neesham and Kane Williamson added to the ODI squad, the hosts look more competitive but we are backing the tourists to respond. India have this ability to step up following an early setback and we expect the senior batsmen to guide their team to a winning total this time.
Match Odds Summary
New Zealand: 2.50, India: 1.55 (Betway – Editor’s Pick)
What are the top batsman odds for New Zealand v India?
Our preview for the first game was produced prior to Rohit Sharma’s late injury withdrawal which left India with a new look opening pairing.
Rohit’s absence also leaves Virat Kohli even further in front as the favourite in India’s top batsman market. The skipper is available for Auckland at 3.25 with Bet365. The new openers – Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw – can both be claimed at 5.00 with Betway. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are both listed at 5.50.
Iyer top scored with 103 in Wednesday’s defeat and could be the value pick but there are other options.
For New Zealand, Ross Taylor was the hero and the Man of the Match. Taylor is a world class batter and a player who we always consider in top batsman markets. For Auckland on Saturday, he can be picked up at odds of 4.00 and in the absence of Kane Williamson, he’s the new favourite.
Martin Guptill follows as joint second favourite at 5.00. Henry Nicholls is also at 5.00. Stand-in Skipper Tom Latham is a consistent ODI batsman and will attract interest at 5.50. Other picks for the Kiwis include Tom Blundell at 7.00, Jimmy Neesham at 11.00 and Colin De Grandhomme at 13.00.
It’s a difficult decision for us this time; We were considering a Satta on the in-form KL Rahul but, as he’s batting down at five, he may not get time to build a big innings in Auckland. Meanwhile, one man who could have the full 50 overs is Mayank Agarwal.
Agarwal is a special talent who averages over 67 in test cricket. While this is his first ODI series, we believe he can carry that ability into the 50 over game.
Top Batsman Odds Summary
New Zealand: Taylor 4.00, Guptill 5.00, Nicholls 5.00, Latham 5.50, Blundell 7.00, Neesham 11.00, de Grandhomme 13.00
India: Kohli 3.25, Shaw 5.00, Agarwal 5.00 (Betway – Editor’s Pick), Shaw 5.00, Rahul 5.50, Iyer 5.50, Pandey 13.00, Jadhav 15.00
What are the hundred to be scored in the match odds for New Zealand v India?
We’ve gone for a higher price on Agarwal to top score. We are looking to keep it much safer for our final Satta of the day. We saw two individual centuries in Hamilton. No wonder we expected the Hundred in Match odds to have dipped below the 1.57 quoted by Bet365.
With so many prolific batters in each camp, this looks a strong option.
A Hundred to be Scored in the Match Odds Summary
Yes: 1.57 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick), No: 2.37
