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

Story by Michael Peet on 2011-03-28 12:02:23

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - Co-hosts Sri Lanka take on New Zealand in the nation's largest city as they look to progress to the World Cup Final for the third time in the tournament's history. After a superb 10-wicket victory over rudderless England on Saturday, Kumar Sangakkara's men are favourites for victory here at 4/11 with Ladbrokes, while New Zealand are 11/4 on Betfair in the same market.

A thoroughly convincing display by the Sri Lankans on Saturday leaves them in buoyant mood going into the semi-finals. They will feel well-placed to continue their good run with a win today, but will be wary of a New Zealand side who upset the odds in the quarters against South Africa. The Black Caps showed terrific spirit to come back into the game from what looked like a desperate position, and will fancy their chances of reaching a first ever World Cup final.

Top NZ run-scorer Ross Taylor is unsurprisingly favourite to be the pick of his side's batsmen at 4/1 with Skybet and Sportingbet, among others. Brendan McCullum is 9/2 with totesport in the same market while Jesse Ryder, who score 83 in the game against South Africa, can also be backed at 9/2 with BetVictor.

Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, and Tillakaratne Dilshan have notched 1121 runs between them so far in the tournament, so unsurprisingly all three are around 7/2 or 4/1 to top-score today with firms such as Ladbrokes and Paddy Power. Thilan Samaraweera's World Cup has yet to really kick off, but punters can back the veteran to come good today as top run-scorer at 9/1 with BetVictor.

Jacob Oram did the damage for New Zealand against South Africa on the bowling side of things, and he looks good value at 5/1 with Ladbrokes to emerge as top bowler in this fixture. Captain Daniel Vettori, despite having just two wickets so far in the tournament, is favourite in the market at 3/1 with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power.

Lasith Malinga looked dangerous against England in Sri Lanka's last game, and is 11/4 with Ladbrokes to end this one as the pick of his side's bowling attack. Murali's injury problems might put off punters - but the legendary spinner is still leave him second favourite at 7/2 with William Hill.

Sri Lanka's prolific opening pair of Dilshan and Tharanga have left the odds on Sri Lanka producing the highest opening partnership at a relatively short 8/13 with Paddy Power; New Zealand's chances are 13/10 with bet365 in the same market. Blue Square go 6/4 on Sri Lanka hitting more sixes than today's opponents.

The match starts at 1000 BST.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Match Result Betting
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Top New Zealand Batsman Betting
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Top Sri Lanka Batsman Betting
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Top New Zealand Bowler Betting
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Top Sri Lanka Bowler Betting
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Highest Opening Partnership
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Most Sixes