After a topsy-turvy opening test match in Galle, Sri Lanka finally claimed the honors with a record run chase on fourth innings. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne was the star, hitting 122 on the final day as the home side made the highest successful chase on that ground. The win gives the hosts their first points of the new World Test Championship. It leaves the South Asian country in good shape ahead of the final game of the series. Here are the cricket odds for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd Test matchup.
What are the cricket odds for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand?
The 2nd Test starts in Colombo this Thursday, August 22, and once again we have an exceptionally tight market. New Zealand is just ahead at odds of 2.70 with Betway while the same bookmaker has Sri Lanka available at 2.75. Completing the result betting is the draw which is quoted at 3.00.
Unfortunately, we have another poor weather forecast with heavy rain indicated across the five days. However, we had an identical prediction for Galle last time out. We’ll therefore ignore the option for the draw and back New Zealand to level at 1-1.
The Kiwis just couldn’t get over the line on the final day. But, a response is likely and with Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya bowling under a cloud, after his action was reported, there could be problems in the home camp.
Match Odds Summary: Sri Lanka 2.75, New Zealand 2.70 (Betway – Editor’s Pick), The Draw 3.00.
What are the top batsman odds for Sri Lanka v New Zealand?
Dimuth Karunaratne was our tip to top score for Sri Lanka on the first innings in Galle but his 39 was eclipsed by 61 from Niroshan Dickwella. For the second test in Colombo, Karunaratne becomes the new, clear favorite to top score for the home side. You can claim the skipper at 4.50 odds.
Just behind the captain, Kusal Mendis is next on the list at 5.00. Meanwhile, Angelo Mathews is also available at 5.00. Elsewhere, Oshada Fernando and Dinesh Chandimal can both be picked up at 5.50. Sri Lanka’s outside value may lie in Kusal Perera at 7.50 and Niroshan Dickwella at 8.00.
For New Zealand, the consistent Ross Taylor top scored on first innings in Galle and he’s always a likely pick in this market. Taylor is available at odds of 4.33 for Colombo, while Kane Williamson starts as favourite at 3.00.
BJ Watling gave the Kiwis a chance of victory with 77 in the second knock but he remains an outside Satta for the second test at 11.00. Shorter, more likely options include Tom Latham at 5.00, Jeet Raval at 6.00 and Henry Nicholls at 6.50.
This is a tough call but we’d prefer sticking with our two picks for the first test. While we didn’t specifically tip Ross Taylor, he was our likely candidate for a Kiwi profit and that situation hasn’t changed for Colombo. Kane Williamson may be due a score but Taylor’s consistency makes him the confirmed Satta.
Top Batsman Odds Summary: Karunaratne 4.50, Kusal Mendis 5.00, Mathews 5.00, Fernando 5.50, Chandimal 5.50, Kusal Perera 7.50, Dickwella 8.00.
New Zealand: Williamson 3.00, Taylor 4.33 (Betway – Editor’s Pick), Latham 5.00, Raval 6.00, Nicholls 6.50 , Watling 11.00.
What are the hundred to be scored in the match odds for Sri Lanka v New Zealand?
Dimuth Karunaratne made that brilliant 122 in the fourth innings in Galle. But, on the whole, it was a low scoring game. That trend is in keeping with test cricket around the world right now and so, we’ll take what may be a brave bet for our final pick of the game.
Bet365 are offering odds of 4.50 for no player on either side to go past three figures in this match. At the very least, that’s a generous figure for a series where the bowlers have dominated on difficult surfaces so far. It’s not a certain pick so please make your own decision but we think that 4.50 is an exceptional price.
Hundred to be Scored in Match Odds Summary: Yes: 1.16, No 4.50 (Bet365 – Editor’s Pick).
