Cricket World Cup: New Zealand vs South Africa Odds and Betting Preview

Story by Michael Peet on 2011-03-24 12:00:01

MIRPUR, INDIA - New Zealand take on South Africa in Mirpur with both teams looking to get a step closer to a first ever World Cup final. The Black Caps are underdogs for the game at 11/5 with Stan James, while Coral are best priced for a South Africa win at 2/5.

After an up-and-down group stage in which they beat Pakistan but lost heavily to Australia and Sri Lanka, the New Zealanders will be looking to prove their doubters wrong with a victory against one of the tournament's top-performers so far. South Africa have won five of their six matches, and as joint favourites for the World Cup title with India (7/2 with Ladbrokes) will fancy their chances of progressing here.

Ross Taylor has been the Black Caps' stand-out batsman so far in the tournament after a fine 131 against high-flying Pakistan, and the 27-year old is top chance to top-score for his side here at 4/1 with Ladbrokes. Martin Guptill has outscored all his team-mates however with 192 runs in four innings, so might be worth a bet at 4/1 with Sportingbet.

Hashim Amla, with 299 runs for his side in his team's World Cup matches, is understandable favourite to be the pick of the South African batsman at 7/2 with totesport, with veteran Jaques Kallis narrowly behind at 4/1 with Betfred. Captain Graeme Smith is yet to find his batting rhythm in the competition, but the man for the big occasion could be good value at 9/2 with Canbet.

Daniel Vettori remains favourite to be New Zealand's top bowler at 3/1 with Ladbrokes despite having just two wickets to his name, leaving Tim Southee, top wicket-taker for his side with 10, at a more tempting price of 7/2 with Coral. Paddy Power offer 4/1 on Kyle Mills in the same market.

Robin Peterson has been South Africa's star bowler of late with fourteen wickets, and punters can back the spinner in this tie at 9/2 with Coral. Dale Steyn, the world's top-ranked fast bowler, is favourite at 11/4 with bet365.

bet365 also are trading at 13/10 on New Zealand producing the highest opening partnership, and Paddy Power go 5/4 on South Africa hitting more sixes than their opponents.

The match starts at 0830 GMT.

World Cup Winner Betting

New Zealand vs South Africa Match Result Betting
New Zealand vs South Africa Top New Zealand Batsman Betting
New Zealand vs South Africa Top South Africa Batsman Betting
New Zealand vs South Africa Top New Zealand Bowler Betting
New Zealand vs South Africa Top South Africa Batsman Betting
New Zealand vs South Africa Highest Opening Partnership
New Zealand vs South Africa Most Sixes