Cricket: 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v New Zealand Odds and Betting Preview

Story by Jack Howard on 2011-10-24 12:26:11

BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe face New Zealand on Tuesday in the third and final match of their one day international series. New Zealand won the first two matches fairly easily despite back-to-back unbeaten centuries from Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor. Although there is little to suggest that the third match should end differently, captain Ross Taylor will be warning New Zealand against complacency.

New Zealand start the match as firm favourites to win, and can be backed to do so at best odds of 1/7 (bet £7 to make £1 profit) with bet365. For those punters expecting an upset, however, Zimbabwe can be backed at best odds of 13/2 with bet365.

New Zealand arrived in Zimbabwe expecting to win against a side who are unquestionably their inferiors, and have set about realising these expectations with professionalism and focus. New Zealand won both of the preliminary T20 fixtures against Zimbabwe, before setting about securing two consecutive wins in the ODIs. Ross Taylor's men will doubtless want one more victory in Bulawayo, completing the series whitewash.

The New Zealand batting line up has looked sharp, chasing down scores of 231 and 259 without cause for concern in the last two matches. Martin Guptill has undeniably been the batsman of the series for the tourists, amassing scores of 74 and 105, and is currently available at 7/2 with Skybet to top score for his side on Tuesday. Brendon McCullum has also been on impressive form, making 87 in the last match, and is joint favourite to top score alongside Guptill at 7/2 with Skybet. Jesse Ryder is also thought likely to hit the most runs for New Zealand at 5/1 with Ladbrokes, whilst Ross Taylor can be backed at a slightly longer 11/2 with Stan James.

The star of the series for Zimbabwe has been their captain Brendan Taylor, who has set an example for his side with two brave attacking innings. Taylor made 128 in the first match, hitting five sixes in the process and battering the New Zealand bowlers all around the park. Taylor can be backed at best odds of 11/4 with Blue Square to top score for Zimbabwe yet again, whilst team mate Vusi Sibanda is on offer at a longer 9/2 with Stan James.

With a player of Brendan Taylor's calibre and attacking temperament in their side, punters might want to back Zimbabwe to hit more sixes in their upcoming match than New Zealand, and can do so at best odds of 5/2 with Stan James. New Zealand, on the other hand, are on offer to clear the boundary rope more often at 8/13 with BetVictor.

Play begins at 08.30 BST

Zimbabwe v New Zealand Match Odds

New Zealand Top Batsman Odds

Zimbabwe Top Batsman Odds

Zimbabwe v New Zealand Most Sixes Odds