Two more countries make their entries into the World Test Championship as Sri Lanka host New Zealand in Galle. But where should cricket punters looking to place a wager at the sportsbooks be betting? To give you a clearer idea, here are our 1st Test tips for Sri Lanka v New Zealand.
The first of two test matches begins on Wednesday. After a series of warm-ups that were interrupted by the weather, the Kiwis will be hoping for a clear five days.
After contrasting performances in the World Cup, both teams will be happy to get back to the red ball game. But who will come out on top at the end of five days?
What are the 1st Test tips for Sri Lanka v New Zealand?
Sri Lankan cricket is still rebuilding following the retirement of some big names. Meanwhile, New Zealand are strong in all forms right now. With that in mind, the result betting is a little tighter than we were expecting. The Kiwis will start as favourites and they can be picked up at 2.62. By contrast, a win for Sri Lanka is available at 3.00 with Betway. The draw completes the market and this outcome can also be picked up at 3.00.
New Zealand have been lifted by their pace and seam attack in the last few years. However, that key quality could be negated by dry, slow surfaces in Galle. Sri Lanka will be hoping that their batsmen can be resilient enough to build a big total and to let their own spinners do the work. Taking into account the potential for a slow pitch and more poor weather, we’re backing a rare test match draw in this opener.
Match Odds Summary: Sri Lanka: 3.00, New Zealand: 2.62, The Draw 3.00 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick).
What are the top batsman 1st Test tips for Sri Lanka v New Zealand?
– Sri Lanka Batsman Picks
Sri Lanka have recalled Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews to their test squad. The home side will subsequently be hoping that experience can lead to a positive series. Mathews goes straight in as favourite in his team’s top first innings batsman market and you can pick him up at 4.50 with Bet365.
Kusal Mendis is a joint second favourite at 5.00 with Betway. You can also claim Dimuth Karunaratne at 5.00. Chandimal is next up at 5.50, and in a tight Sri Lankan market, Kusal Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne are both available at 5.50 with Betway.
– New Zealand Batsman Picks
Kane Williamson was the player of the tournament in 2019’s World Cup. While his captaincy was rewarded, the accolade also recognised a stunning display with the bat. Williamson becomes a clear favourite to top score on first innings for the Kiwis. You can subsequently pick up the skipper at 3.50.
Ross Taylor is second favourite here at 4.50. Meanwhile, Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls are both on offer at 5.50. The patient Jeet Raval is a little further back at 6.00. Other New Zealand batters include BJ Watling at 11.00 and Colin de Grandhomme at 17.00.
Both of the favourites in the two markets look a little short, but there is some value as we move through the lists. Ross Taylor has been a favourite pick of ours at times. For this first test, though, we’re backing Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne.
As the World Cup captain, Karunaratne held the top order together and his patient approach to the game can see him deliver a decent profit in this match.
Top Batsman Odds Summary: Sri Lanka: Mathews 4.50, Mendis 5.00, Karunaratne 5.00 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick), Chandimal 5.50, Perera 5.50, Thirimanne 5.50.
New Zealand: Williamson 3.50, Taylor 4.50, Latham 5.50, Nicholls 5.50, Raval 6.00, Watling 11.00, De Grandhomme 17.00.
What are the top bowler 1st Test tips for Sri Lanka v New Zealand?
There are some new names in this Kiwi squad, so look out for Ajaz Patel and Will Sommerville as this series progresses. Both could have a say in New Zealand’s bowling attack. Nevertheless, we’ll ignore them for now, and finish this preview by focusing on Neil Wagner.
The left armer is a very underrated bowler. At odds of 4.50 to return best Kiwi figures on first innings, he also looks a generous pick for our final Satta. Check the team sheets to make sure Wagner makes the cut, but we think that’s an exceptional price.
New Zealand Top Bowler Odds Summary: Boult 3.75, Patel 4.50, Wagner 4.50 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick), Astle 4.75, Santner 5.00, Southee 5.00.
