ness_228

Bank 119

The Kiwis blew Kenya out of the water, before having much the same done to them by the Aussies.
Zimbabwe got beaten comfortably by the Aussies, and then breezed past Canada.

This is a must win game for both sides - and defeat is likely to spell a knockout (or make qualification very difficult).

On their day the Kiwis are a very good one day side and Zim have no express pace to worry them, the 79-6 position vs Oz was down to the pace of the Aussie attack - and the inability of the Kiwi top order to deal with it.

Zimbabwe rely on a number of spin bowlers to exert some control, but if McCullum &/or Taylor get going then I can see the Kiwis batting them out of the game. However, this is the same ground that Zim contained Australia for long periods (262 is not a bad effort in the context of other main nation (and some lesser nation) totals). The Kiwi attack is more balanced than Australia but does have some useful quicks with the new ball and they may need that early breakthrough.

The top order of Zim has however been undone twice - by pace (and Canada's pace is accurate rather than electric) - and although Taibu and Ervine rescued them against Canada there was only a little late order resistance (when it didn't matter against Aus)

If NZ bat first then there are likely to be a few sixes, especially if the top order can build any sort of platform, on the way to a fair total. 250-300 seems a likely score as there will be no holding back due to the importance of the game.

If Zim bat first they will be looking for a total that they are able to defend - probably around 250 - and they will hope to get some sort of platform up front.


Martin Guptill is by common knowledge uneasy against spin, and he could get 40+ overs of it in this match (of a variety of types) especially if Mpofu is unfit.

LAY Martin Guptill to be top score to win £10 @ 5.0  (risk 40)

LAY Total sixes 0-4 to win £10 @ 3.7 (risk 27)