Cricket: Test Match – New Zealand v Zimbabwe Odds and Betting Preview

Story by George Coombs on 2012-01-25 11:13:30

NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand host Zimbabwe in a one-off Test match in Napier on Wednesday before the two nations meet in a three match One Day International series. Zimbabwe regained their Test status in 2011 following a major upheaval in the structure of both cricket and the political situation in the country.  The touring Zimbabwe side will be desperate to over-turn the 34-run victory that New Zealand achieved late last year as they continue their rebuilding effort.

The hosts New Zealand have been priced up as the very short 2/7 favourites for this Test match with Stan James while the draw is a standout 26/5 with Bwin. Zimbabwe are a massive 12/1 chance to win on their first trip overseas in many years but this may be too much to ask given this squad’s lack of experience in Test cricket.  

New Zealand welcome Zimbabwe before they face the real summer test of South Africa from 17th February this year. The Black Caps will want to build on their surprising victory against Australia in the Hobart Test and a match against one of the weaker nations should allow their players to get some much needed time in the middle. This pitch should suit the batsmen but a green top could be left on which would help New Zealand’s  four pace bowlers in Australia.

Zimbabwe played their first match back in Test cricket at Harare in August 2011 and managed to beat Bangladesh by 130 runs. Since that historic victory they have faced the Black Caps in a one off game staged in Bulawayo where they troubled their opposition for long period before eventually New Zealand ground out a difficult victory. This will be their first match played on foreign soil in the longer format of the game and they will hope to put in a solid performance at the start of this new era.

In the Top New Zealand Batsman betting, Brendan McCullum and Martin Guptill have been  installed at the head of the betting, quoted at 7/2 with Ladbrokes. Guptill was instrumental as the Auckland Aces defended their domestic Twenty20 title while McCullum was playing in the Big Bash League. Skipper Ross Taylor only managed one half-century in four innings in Australia but is 4/1 with bet365 here. Kruger van Wyk looks set to open the batting on his debut for the Black Caps and can be backed at a massive 12/1 with Bodog.

Zimbabwe have very little experience in this format of the game and will need the leadership skills of their captain Brendan Taylor. He is a 3/1 chance with Ladbrokes in the Top Zimbabwe Batsman betting and he scored a century in the one-off Test that was held in Zimbabwe last year. Hamilton Masakadza and Tino Mawoyo should open the batting for the visitors and the pair are available at 4/1 and 9/2 respectively with bet365. Tatenda Taibu is a 5/1 chance with Stan James while, Regis Chakabva, the top run-scorer with 87 not-out in the warm-up match is quoted at 12/1 with bet365.

Daniel Vettori is the most prominent player in the Top New Zealand Bowler betting at 11/4 with bet365. New Zeland chose a four pronged pace attack against Australia and the pick of the quicks is Chris Martin a 3/1 chance with William Hill. Tim Southee is quoted at 4/1 whilst Trent Boult is a 9/2 chance with William Hill.

A host of players are available at 7/2 in the Top Zimbabwe Bowler market and they include Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis and Ray Price. Jarvis and Vitori will take the new ball as their most experienced seamer Chris Mpofu was ruled out with back injury. Graeme Cremer is an attacking spinner and is still not certain to play but is quoted at 5/1 in this market.

Play begins at 21.30 GMT on Wednesday 25th January.

New Zealand v Zimbabwe – Match Result Odds
New Zealand v Zimbabwe – Top New Zealand Batsman Odds
New Zealand v Zimbabwe – Top Zimbabwe Batsman Odds
New Zealand v Zimbabwe – Top New Zealand Bowler Betting
New Zealand v Zimbabwe – Top Zimbabwe Bowler Betting