Cricket World Cup: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Odds and Betting Preview

Story by Michael Peet on 2011-03-17 11:12:40

MUMBAI, INDIA - Two already-qualified teams take each other on in with the All Whites looking to challenge local rivals Australia for the top berth in Group A. Despite sitting two points below their opponents in the table, Sri Lanka are fancied for the tie at 8/15 with Boylesports, with Ladbrokes best for a New Zealand win at 7/4. With a place in the latter stages of the competition assured, both sides will want to use this fixture to prove their World Cup credentials. Despite some solid performances so far, New Zealand remain a long shot to win the competition at 16/1 with Stan James. Sri Lanka have drifted slightly to 5/1, but will no doubt be full of confidence if they beat the New Zealanders today.

Martin Guptill has been in good form so far this world cup, with 192 runs in four innings, and is favourite to be his side's top batsman today at 7/2 with Coral and Ladbrokes, among others. Ross Taylor, who has amassed his side's largest score of the tournament so far of 138, might be better value at 9/2 with bet365. After a record opening stand of 282 runs in their last game against Zimbabwe, Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan are top favourites to high score for the Sri Lakans, Dilshan at 7/2 with most firms and Tharanga at a slightly longer 4/1 with Paddy Power.

Youngster Tim Southee has been top wicket-taker for the All Whites so far this campaign and he is at 7/2 with 888Sport to be the pick of the bowlers here. Sri Lanka's top chance in the same market is Lasith Malinga at 9/4 with William Hill with outgoing legend Mutiah Muralitherin at 10/3 with bet365.

After the historic opening partnership in Sri Lanka's last outing punters will no doubt be looking at the Highest Opening Partnership prices - Boylesports go 4/5 on the co-hosts' openers scoring more runs than New Zealand's first pair. Paddy Power offer 11/10 for New Zealand in the same market.

The match kicks off at 0900 GMT.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Result
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka World Cup Winner
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka New Zealand Top Batsman
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Top Batsman
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka New Zealand Top Bowler
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Top Bowler
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Highest Opening Partnership