The Hagley Oval in Christchurch is once again the venue for the 2nd Test between New Zealand and South Africa which starts late Thursday night, South African time. We take a look at the game from a betting angle.
The 1st Test was also played at the Hagley Oval and saw South Africa turn in an embarrassing performance to lose by an innings and 276 runs.
Having lost the toss and been sent in to bat, the Proteas were bundled out for 95 with Hamza top scoring with 25 runs and Matt Henry ripping through the South African batting order taking 7 for 23 in 15 overs.
New Zealand then came to the crease and after a shaky start amassed 482 runs with top scorer Henry Nicholls getting 105 and Tom Blundell 96. One of our bets in the 1st Test was for the Top Individual Score to be under 138.5 runs and despite the big New Zealand total this arrived quite comfortably in the end. The South Africans spread the wickets amongst them with Duanne Olivier delivering for Top South African 1st innings Bowler taking 3 for 100 in his 21 overs.
The Proteas went in to bat again and both openers got ducks and the top 4 only scored 11 runs between them and they were bowled out for 111. Temba Bavuma top scored with 41 and there was a spirited 30 from Kyle Verreynne. Tim Southee was the destroyer chief this time with 5 for 35.
I have a feeling that we will see a more spirited performance from South Africa, who in my opinion were unwise to go straight into a Test match after quarantine without any warmups. That being said it is hard to make a case for them even at 3/1 and will once again look to some of the alternative markets on offer.
2nd TEST BETTING – Click here to bet
New Zealand 4/7
Draw 5/1
South Africa 3/1
Selections
Suggested Bet: First Innings Lead South Africa at 7/4
I am expecting big improvement from South Africa and let’s not forget they lost the First Test to India back at home before storming back to win the next two. It will take a mammoth effort for them to turn this series around and level it up, but I am expecting the bowlers to be a lot sharper following the 1st Test and the batsmen will surely improve as well.
Suggested Bet: A 100 to be scored in the match, NO, at 3/1
Although this bet would not have arrived in the 1st Test I am keen to have a go as I expect the bowlers on both sides to dominate and even in their massive first innings score of 482, New Zealand only had 1 player score triple figures and even he just made a 105.
I will keep an eye on the Top South African and New Zealand Batsmen and Bowler markets and will add another bet if anything catches the eye.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
