This brief, two-match New Zealand v India test series produced a surprise in the first game as the hosts coasted to a ten-wicket win. The result market for Wellington was a tight one and we knew that the Kiwis would be competitive but we certainly expected India to offer more of a contest.
The teams now move down south to Christchurch for the second and final game which gets underway on Friday. Will we see Virat Kohli’s men respond or will the hosts continue to dominate?
What are the cricket odds for New Zealand v India?
The result market for Wellington was close but things have changed. New Zealand were the marginal outsiders for that first game but following that comfortable opening win, the Kiwis are the new favourites at 2.20 with Betway. India are the outside Satta at 2.30 while the draw is at 6.00.
The weather doesn’t look set to intervene in Christchurch so we should be on for another positive result. Up to now, we’ve largely backed India on this tour. While that’s not a default setting, they are the stronger side and should be more competitive. We expect a better performance from Virat Kohli and his men but they are clearly struggling against the swing and seam of New Zealand’s attack. Based on recent performances, both in the first test and in the one dayers, we have to favour the Kiwis this time.
Match Odds Summary
New Zealand: 2.20 (Betway – Editor’s Pick), India: 2.30, The Draw: 6.00
What are the top batsman odds for New Zealand v India?
India’s skipper Virat Kohli is among a number of top order players struggling for form but the skipper remains favourite to top score for the tourists on first innings. Kohli can be claimed at odds of 3.25 with Bet365 and that leaves a gap to Cheteshwar Pujara who is quoted at 4.33.
In a disappointing total of 165 in Wellington, Ajinkya Rahane top scored with 46 and he often provides some value in the middle order. For the second game, Rahane can be claimed at 7.00. Other picks for India include Mayank Agarwal at 5.00, Prithvi Shaw at 5.50, Shubman Gill at 6.50, Hanuma Vihari at 9.00 and Rishabh Pant at 13.00.
For New Zealand, a number of batsmen made useful contributions but Kane Williamson was the standout once again. The skipper’s 89 set up a winning total of 348 and Williamson is favourite to top score on first innings in Christchurch at 3.40.
The dependable Ross Taylor is the next option at 4.50 and that’s a price shared by Tom Latham. The Kiwi middle order showed that there is depth to this batting line up; we could certainly look at some longer prices. Other batters to consider include Tom Blundell at 6.00, Henry Nicholls at 7.00, BJ Watling at 11.00 and Colin de Grandhomme at 12.00.
This is a tough call; many Indian batsmen have been out of touch since the start of the ODIs. It should be time for Virat Kohli to respond; but one man that has impressed us since he came into the test side is Mayank Agarwal.
Like a lot of Indian players, Agarwal has struggled at times in these conditions. His test batting average remains at 64.26 and we’re backing him to rediscover that form.
Top Batsman Odds Summary
New Zealand: Williamson 3.40, Taylor 4.50, Latham 4.50, Blundell 6.00, Nicholls 7.00, Watling 11.00, De Grandhomme 12.00
India: Kohli 3.25, Pujara 4.33, Agarwal 5.00 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick), Shaw 5.50, Gill 5.60, Vihari 9.00, Pant 13.00
What are the top bowler odds for New Zealand v India?
We may have got the result wrong in Wellington but we emerged with an overall profit from that first test. That’s because our Top Bowler Satta on Ishant Sharma delivered at 4.50; the seamer returned 5-68 in the Kiwis’ first knock.
We will, therefore, stick with the top bowler betting but it’s time to switch things around. One man that has always impressed us since India’s most recent tour of England is Mohammed Shami. He may have only taken one wicket in Wellington but Shami is a much better bowler than his figures suggest. We’ll back him this time at 3.75 with Bet365.
India Top Bowler Odds Summary
Bumrah, Ishant Sharma 3.75, Shami 3.75 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick), Ashwin 5.00, Jadeja 5.50
